One of the more interesting people that I have encountered in my years of ministry was Otto the silversmith. Otto had his studio in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where Barb and I began our ministry. We normally think of silversmiths as designers of jewelry, but Otto often worked on a much larger scale. Some of Otto's projects were huge sculptures. When you walked through Otto's studio sometimes it was difficult to discern what went where. Thing often looked disjointed. "Don't judge my work until it is finished," he commented one time when I made a critical comment about one of his projects.
I thought of Otto over the weekend as I contemplated the horrific events that transpired in Colorado. Once again I heard people ask "Why?" or "How could God allow this to happen?" First-off: We live in a sinful and evil world. "In this world you will have trouble," Jesus told his disciples , but in his next breath he comforts them by say, "Take heart. I have over come the world." (John 16:33). When we view the isolated events like the tragedies of Columbine or Aurora it's easy to get discouraged and fearful. Things seem mixed-up and confusing, just like Otto's art. We are only see the disjointed parts. Only God can see the "big picture."
I don't want to trivialize the pain of the families who lost loved one in that tragic shooting. The pains of this world are very real to them, but so should be the love of our God. God is the comforter and the Conqueror. Satan may have his way and at times if might seem as if evil is winning, but those of us who know Jesus also know the final results are going to be an awesome work of art.
For us as parents and grandparents, that mean being people of hope, even in the midst of tragedy. Mourn with those who mourn, but stay confident and faithful. Moving forward as people of faith is the strongest testimony that we can give as Christian.
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