This past week has been one of catching up before the next storm comes through. We have experienced just a small dose of what Bostonians and others have been dealing with since January. Our county and surrounding areas have been rocked from complacency as the national news is brought to our doorstep. Friday, February 27^th was spent in varying degrees of shock and disbelief as family and friends called us from other states all asking the same question “What’s happening in Texas County?” a question all of us are asking about this county and surrounding counties as well. A few local friends and acquaintances called to share and for solace, telling their stories of pleasant memories about knowing these families, visiting their homes and sitting at their table together. Sunday morning when I looked out, the thick blanket of snow was beautiful in its peacefulness. My mind went to the Tyrone area and the neighbors who first looked out upon this blanket of white that has covered everything especially around the now-empty houses once filled with vibrant life. The snow had filled the tracks that had reduced them to crime scenes and had left such devastation in its wake. The snow, pristine and peaceful trying to make clean the stain, soften the blow, came as healing hands – a purifying covering from God who knows about suffering when someone crosses that unimaginable line to destroy life with devastating results. This blanket is symbolic of the covering he promises us when we seek refuge from pain.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 57:1

We are left to wonder about the perfect storm that could have triggered such mindless action and as the numbness begins to dissipate, we seek God once more in our compassionate prayers for family and neighbors and the personal resolve to go on.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

None of us know what will happen today and it is through faith that we trust God in life and death. I believe that the outcome of humanity’s choices good and bad will cannot come between us and God’s love. We are forever and who we are goes on beyond time.

God bless the survivors, the family and friends with peaceful sleep at night and assurance of his love when they awake. “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”Psalm 30:5

For more information on this tragedy:  http://www.ky3.com/news/local/tyrone-residents-try-to-wrap-head-around-7-murders/21048998_31535710