Wow…I hardly know where to begin and struggled with even writing a blog this week. What do you do when you just don’t know what to say?

You speak from the heart.

Last week was a tough one. However, I’m not going to list all of the struggles we’ve been going through because I know there are others who are worse off.

But don’t you feel your troubles seem to happen all at once? Why is that?

To top off my already stressful week, the city I grew up in, and where my family still lives, was under siege. Moncton, NB was taken hostage by a mad man after he killed three RCMP officers and wounded two others. What? Nothing like this happens in our neck of the woods! I could hardly believe my ears.

It was true. RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) were on a man hunt to find this guy and asked all residents to stay in their homes, lock their doors, and turn their outside lights on. Schools were closed, businesses shut down, buses were taken off the streets. All in an attempt to find this gunman before he could kill anyone else.

Didn’t I just see this on a movie?

That’s what it felt like.

It’s hard to watch from a distance. Seeing buildings and areas on TV you recognize, knowing your family could be in danger. I immediately prayed. I contacted my sister and brother to make sure they were home safe and sound. They were.

I prayed for God’s army to surround the city to protect them.

After 30 hours of lock down, the RCMP caught and arrested the suspect. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They could come out of hiding.

But their hurting wouldn’t be over. Three young officers lost their lives in a senseless tragedy. Their families have yet to deal with the grief. The shock hasn’t worn off.

When I look back on my rough week, I shake my head. These young families had a much harder week than I did. I can’t even begin to imagine.

All I can do is pray for them.

This week I leave you with two songs that have entered my mind for different reasons. Each with a unique and powerful message.

Listen to the words.

Remember that no matter what we go through, God’s army will protect us and we’ll find peace in His arms.

There’s no better place to be.

Share your thoughts on these songs. Where do you run when tragedies happen? Let’s remember to honor our law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us! Let’s pray for God’s army to surround them.

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Chris Tomlin)

Peace in the Shelter (Jim Brady)