Defining Moment

“We’re going to make you do this.”

This person should be in an institution where he might possibly be reached instead he is robbed of his free will by whoever is recording the video, his system full of drugs and sent to play a role in a planned criminal act. He has no gang tattoos but he is physically powerful enough to carry out his threats.

The crowbar was placed there out of sight in reach of the street where it was used. This was not random act caught on tape. This was edited with a $500 application so it appears like a music video.

All for respect so people will feel fear over what he has wrought. I hope the cameraman is locked safely away from other people where he can no longer create these incidents.

This is what Christianity is, a haven away from these horrible acts and the only way on this Earth people can thrive.

Our Daily Bread for 4/16:

One year ago, people around the world were stunned by a shooting rampage that left 32 victims dead on the campus of Virginia Tech University. In the aftermath, the mother of one critically wounded student who survived said she did not want the ordeal to become the defining moment in her son's life. Instead, she hoped it could be "something positive, some great celebration of his life."

When the unthinkable happens, it may seem impossible to believe that anything can overcome the emotional scars. Yet, the life of Joseph offers a powerful illustration of God's transforming power (Gen. 37–50). The brothers who sold him into slavery were sure he would take revenge on them (50:15-17). But Joseph told them, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (v.20).

When we place our desire for revenge in God's hands, we become participants in the remarkable process described by Paul: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).

The defining moments of our lives are not determined by the evil done to us, but by our response through the grace and power of God. — David C. McCasland