News Headline: Omaha Police say the 20-year old was behind Wednesday's deadly shooting spree at the Westroads Mall.
I understand.
I’m not justifying, accepting, or promoting his actions, but I understand. His family kicked him out, he felt like no one cared. He felt like a burden, he had nothing else to lose… I understand. Why he killed innocent people, I cannot understand yet the pain and suffering he experienced obviously clouded his thinking.
This is why we need to reach out to the depressed. This is why we cannot avoid and deny clinical depression. People need help. People need understanding. People need love. People need to see Jesus in us.
You may feel unqualified and not know what to say… Jesus will give you the words if you seek Him. Do not underestimate what God can do through you. Take it from someone who has been on both sides – being there for someone who is depressed and hurting could be the difference between life and death.
If you yourself are hurting and depressed, memorize scripture that comforts you. Memorize this poem and pray it to God from the bottom of your heart. I promise, He will answer you. He knows you cannot do it alone. He does not want you to do it alone. Let him help you. Jesus loves you.
I Cannot Do This Alone
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer