America is reeling from yet another tragedy. On Sunday morning, in the deadliest mass shooting to ever take place in a U.S. house of worship, a gunman opened fire inside First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. At least 26 are dead and more than 20 injured, which accounts for almost every single person who was inside the sanctuary.
As the gunman left the church, two brave citizens sprung into action. Stephen Willeford ran out of his house with his own gun and began to fire at the gunman, who escaped in an SUV. Johnnie Langendorff, another local hero, who was driving by as the scene was unfolding, went after the gunman in an 11-mile, high-speed chase. Eventually, the gunman lost control, and the police arrived to take over.
Although the gunman has died, he has left a trail of devastation in the town of Sutherland Springs, located 40 minutes outside San Antonio with a population of approximately 600. In a place where everybody knows everybody, the effects of this massacre have been unthinkable.
This morning, I was brought to tears when I came across a Washington Post article about the Holcombe family. Joe and Claryce Holcombe, who attend a different church in the area, lost nine family members in the shooting. I can’t even begin to imagine the anguish they are feeling as they mourn the loss of nine children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As you keep the people of Sutherland Springs in your thoughts and prayers, remember the Holcombe family.
Even in the midst of his immense pain, Joe Holcombe shared a quote that really encouraged me, and I hope it does the same for you: “We are Christians. We have read the book. We know the ending, and it’s good.”
Regina
The whole thing is just so devastating. I can't even imagine losing nine members of one family so senselessly.
And yes Ellie, Joe Holcombe's quote did encourage me. I don't think without my faith,I don't think I could deal with this.
Sadly you will probably get some anti-God comments but those negative comments will not, I repeat will not destroy my faith.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Amen, Regina. My heart goes out to the Holcombe family and all those impacted by Sunday's tragedy.
Ellie
Anonymous
Why on earth would Ellie get some anti God comments? I just do not understand the thinking by conservatives sometimes. If anything, it is anger towards the ridiculous lax gun laws in your country and the senseless deaths/ killings that could be prevented by tougher gun control legilation. God has nothing to do with it. It is evil pure and simple. I feel deep sympathy, grief and helplesseness for every family inc the Holcombe family in each and every tragedy such as this. It is horrible the amount of deaths that have occurred in senseless tragedies such as this and nothing changes in your country. Eileen
Anonymous
Thank you Ellie for sharing what Mr. Holcombe said! I will pray specially for his family.
Anonymous
Evil people don’t obey man’s laws or God’s laws. Tougher gun restrictions are only going to make a difference for law abiding citizens. Thieves, murderers, drug dealers, etc. are not going to turn their guns in or purchase them through registered gun dealers. Evil will only be eliminated when Jesus returns to reign.
Anonymous
To the person who is saying "evil people don't obey man's or God's laws, AMEN!!! That is the truth!
Anonymous
To Anon re evil people don't obey man's laws or God's laws. Shall we just stop trying then to make the world a better place? Shall we just give up and let evil reign over us? Shall we ignore the teachings of God and bury our heads in the sand and not speak out against evil? Shall we just sit around and wait for God? I do not think that is the way we as Christians/God believers are supposed to behave. Eileen
Sarah Liston
Excuse me? "evil doesn't obey God's laws"? I don't think so. Evil comes from the Devil, and God made the Devil. Nothing happens that God doesn't have a propose for. Eileen, I completely agree with everything you said. Evil can't do ANYTHING that God doesn't want it to do. Even though evil may seem to be crushing us sometimes that doesn't mean God hates us or doesn't care! Remember the verse: "God works all things together for good…" My heart breaks for every family that lost a family member. God bless you and keep you. May you turn to Him for strength as He is sufficient for us. I am so encouraged by Mr. Holcombe's comment. May his attitude be the attitude of our nation. God bless everyone of you.
Anonymous
Why didn't you write a similar post about the tragedy in Las Vegas?
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Another senseless tragedy that broke my heart. 🙁 My blog is not a news site, but I would be happy to direct you to articles about the Las Vegas shooting if you would like to read about it.
Ellie
Anonymous
I was unaware of this happening until I read your blog. I knew Melania Trump wore highheels in Japan. Sadly this was maybe not extensively reported on my hand held online device. Fashion was more reported. I get an auto feed of things that my device somehow posts. I live in another country and don't have a t.v. or radio and I don't always look for news stories.
Last night I dreamt a huge tornado was coming and I had to desperately find a safe spot for me and a child. But then the tornado was gone and we did not go through it. When I was a child a tornado went through our town on a sunny, summer day.
These fears reside some where inside us. And we do need to deal with them from a meaningful and true perspective.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
I'm sorry to hear about your dream. What country do you live in?
That really is too bad that a fashion story took priority over a breaking news story. Unfortunately, the mainstream news media is solely responsible for deciding which stories go front and center and which stories are pushed to the back. As a journalism major, I can tell you that the major news outlets control the politics of our country (I can't speak to other countries). In college, we extensively studied multiple historical events (including a major war that the U.S. was involved in) and how they were controlled by mainstream media. Our professors constantly encouraged us to use our influence for good, but sadly, many folks in media do exactly the opposite.
The corruption of the mainstream news media is chilling. That's one of the reasons why I have chosen to use my journalism degree to purse other outlets. And when I see a positive story in the mainstream media, I am quick to tell others about it.
Have a blessed day,
Ellie
Anonymous
With respect, should negative stories like this be broadcast. If they cause further tradgedies?
Anonymous
Ellie, since you have a journalism degree, why don't you try to influence the mainstream media in the way that you think it should go? It seems like you have the skills and background to do something about the problem, which is a lot more than most people who complain about the mainstream media.
Anonymous
Canada
nashvillewife@gmail.com
To the anonymous commenter who lives in Canada: I was born in Canada. 🙂 Mr. Handsome and I spent a week in the Canadian Rockies this summer. Great trip!
Ellie
nashvillewife@gmail.com
To the commenter who asked about my influence in the media: I had a number of different media-related jobs/internships during college and after, and I chose to pursue the ventures that I thought would best allow me to do good, encourage others, and use my gifts. 🙂
Ellie
Anonymous
It's down to individuals to research and think for themselves. "Mainstream media" is only "corrupt" if you LET it corrupt you. If you read between the lines and look at many different reports, "mainstream media" is still a useful tool.
Anonymous
Do you think that other journalists don't do good? It sounds as if you left that field because you had what you thought were loftier goals.
Anonymous
My son, who is in the Air Force, told me to go online and read Al Jazeera new instead of the alphabet news stations.
Anonymous
BBC World Service is another good source. I've been listening to it since I was a kid, when we had a shortwave radio that could pick it up. Now their news is on some cable TV systems and on Sirius radio, too. And you can find it online. I always liked their no-nonsense approach to reporting and their calm voice tone, even when the news wasn't good. Most American news stations emote too much, or sound like they're shouting!
nashvillewife@gmail.com
To the question posted on 11/8/17: Everyone has different talents and areas of interest. I think it's wise to choose a field that matches up with both, to maximize one's effectiveness.
Ellie
Anonymous
Ellie — Wow, you really have to deal with some bizarre comments. I can only imagine the ones you screen out. Your replies are always so kind and diplomatic. God bless you.
Anonymous
I'd like to read the comments that screened out. I like "bizarre" ideas. They are usually the most thought-provoking ones!
Anonymous
This is your spin on it. Maybe not the same way that others see it.
nashvillewife@gmail.com
Yep, I shared a few words on my reaction to the tragedy, but the rest is just a report of what took place.
Ellie
Anonymous
I think the commenter is starting a debate on an issue….
Regina
I agree with you the commenter trying to start a debate which detracts from the issue that 26 people died and that should be the focus of this post.
Anonymous
Prayers for all affected by all these senseless acts of violence.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Anonymous
Yes, I will do this every day as I have been for every tragedy, every senseless death acroos the world. The amount of evil that is present nowadays is frightening and must be battled somehow. I just grieve at it all. Eileen
Christine Sanford
thank you for sharing your heart. I can't imagine the families and friends of those effected. I hoping and praying that they get the blessings and guidance they require to walk the journey of healing.
Anonymous
There are people out there that will say this was staged by the government. I have no idea how they think this when families are mourning the loss of their loved ones. I am not wanting to start a debate. I just wish for peace on earth and everyone to be kind to each other regardless of beliefs or differences.
Anonymous
It is absurd and ridiculous to the people who think this was staged, or even more ridiculous that natural disasters are staged, which I've heard people say. My word the things people can come up with in their thoughts are baffling!
Anonymous
These type of comments were also made about the Las Vegas tragedy. Conspiracy theorists have been trolling and creating hate filled sites against the victims of this senseless tragedy. As if it wasn't enough to go through those events, victims and their families are receiving hate over the internet. I also wish for peace on earth. through respect for all mankind, their individual belief systems as long as they do not do damage to others, and for people to take their issues out in functional ways. Eileen
Anonymous
How about the people who say that natural disasters are "God's revenge" for ____ (fill in the sin)?