The News

I've began reading Wral.com as well as our school newspaper, the Technician, to get into a good habit and to know what's going on in the world outside of NC State's campus. I've begun to realize why some people hate the news! After about a month of reading the news online every few days, I sometimes dread what I'll find! The other day I read about a couple who died in a car crash (but their 2 year old survived), and the scary thing was, the woman was MY AGE. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm (obviously) going to die one day. I don't have that "I'm young I can survive everything" complex, but I couldn't imagine dying now. Of course it would be great to be with Jesus, but I couldn't fathom leaving Cal behind, not being able to teach, and I definitely couldn't imagine what it would be like if my husband and I left our BABY behind, you know? Just terrible. So that story got me pretty sad, but I Thu.k it's good to remember these things happen and to live life to the fullest. Another story was about a little girl who Hung herself with a belt in her room because of bullying...and I have no words. I wonder what her teacher feels like...as a future one, I can only think I would feel absolutely terrible if that happened to one of my students. Not saying it was her teacher's fault, as teachers can only do so much with a classroom of 28-30ish 9 year olds, but still. This world can be cruel! I have to constantly remind myself that GOD is in control. Not luck, not me, not anyone else. GOD has a plan for each and every one of us and we have to trust Him. Which is harder said than done when all if these terrible things go on around us...

Another (kind of silly) thing I do on Wral is go through Wake County arrests for a few reasons. One, to see if I know anyone on there (you never know! I haven't yet, though!), and two, to see what kinds of crimes are going on, who's doing them, etc. I often find myself praying for them. Am I sick to pray for a man who committed incest and rape on a child under 12? Maybe. But I am a strong believer that everyone needs prayer, and often those who need it the most do not get it. Instead they get our judgement and our harshness when that's God's job. I'm wary of whether God views sin in different degrees or whether he views it as one...and I am NOT saying by any means that child molestation isn't worth anger - it SO is, and it is perfectly fine to be angry. But in order to be like Christ, you can't push others away. You accept and pray for anyone and everyone, no matter what.

So although sometimes I dread reading the news, and tear up when people lost their lives, I remind myself that every person needs prayer, and if I'm the only one praying for an attacker, rapist, murderer, drug addict, etc...each one of them is unknowingly being lifted up to God. And I think that is just plain cool.

Have a beautiful Friday.