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Shooting at NIU

Like everyone else, I am so shocked and saddened by last night's shootings at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.  So far, seven fatalities have been reported - including the shooter. 

For those of you who don't know, NIU is about 30 miles west of Aurora.  There are a handful of students from The Orchard who attend the school, which makes this tragedy hit home for us in a unique way. 

Would you take a moment after reading this and join with me in praying for the students, faculty, and loved ones of those impacted?  It means a lot....  Thank you.

Much Shalom Needed.

Typically, community boards are full of helpful information, fun events, etc... 

Not the case at my local Starbucks. 

Every day, as I walk up to the counter to pour skim milk and equal into my coffee, this is what I see on my community board.

Two young women gone missing - both within a few miles of where I live.  You've probably heard about both of them.  So many questions and speculations...  But one thing is certain, and that is how sad I feel for their families - especially their little children who are going to experience Christmas without their moms this year. 

May the shalom of Christ rest upon these families.

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

Today's 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis hits home with me.  As some of you know, I lived in Minneapolis for about 9 years and the first three years were spent living in an apartment just a couple of blocks from where the bridge collapsed.  I've driven across the bridge a million times and know the area well. 

Anyway...  Just wanted to give a quick shout out to all of my friends in Minneapolis.  Sorry to hear about all of this.  Peace and comfort to those who have suffered loss.

Nightmare in Virginia

I've been sitting in front of my computer for at least 30 minutes trying to come up with something to say about today's tragedy in Virginia, but I honestly can't seem to come up with anything that makes sense. 

So maybe tomorrow. 

All I know is that my heart is heavy and I am so saddened.

For the victims, their families, their friends, loved ones, everyone....

May God's peace rest up on each of them tonight.

Inside Nola

Here's a link to a couple of bloggers who are in New Orleans helping with communications reconnect efforts and documenting what they are seeing.

There are some fascinating (and disturbing) pictures that you probably won't see anywhere else.

From today's post (description of one of the images on this site):

This man is three blocks from the house where I’m staying. Algiers is a poor area and it’s not getting the help that it needs.

Do you see this body? This body has been sitting here for over a week. This place isn’t like Iraq. People need to stop saying that New Orleans is like the middle east. In Iraq the body would be cleaned up within hours and the tea boy would have settled me. This man has no shoes on, you can see his socks. He’s dead. He’s rotting in the hot sun.

Link (via BoingBoing)

New Orleans

Here's a link to an interesting and informative article on the history of New Orleans. 

Hurricane Katrina Tragedy

I can hardly believe the images showing up on Foxnews and other networks.  80% of New Orleans is underwater, a city-wide avacuation is in effect and massive rescue efforts are underway.

I received an email from a good friend whose family has lost their home and business down in Mississippi.  It's horrific. 

I'm asking myself how I can and should personally respond to this - as well as how our church community should respond.  It seems that responding is always better than reacting - so it's probably best to wait and find out what and where the greatest needs are.

What are your thoughts on how the church (nationally)  or individuals can and should respond to this?