"Evil did not win."

Evil: A small, four-letter word that encompasses so much.  The dictionary defines "evil" as sin, corruption, and wickedness.  Pretty powerful words, I think.  Does evil win in our world today?  What about in our lives, as Christians?

I am in complete awe over a four-minute testimony I came across the other day.  In two days - December 14, our country will remember the tragic shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, one year ago.  Twenty precious children lost their lives that day, as many of us sat in complete disbelief at the events unfolding before us on our TV's and radio.  Probably like most of us felt while watching and hearing the events of September 11, 2001 - stunned, shocked, scared.  These are days that go down in history.  And remind us, as Christians, that the world we live in is fallen, with evil surrounding us daily. 

I invite you to watch this video - double click the title & it should play.  It's short, but the message is powerful.  The clip is made by Emilee Parker's family.  Emilee was one of the twenty children killed at Sandy Hook.  I think you'll be touched by their words.

Emilee Parker: Evil did not win.

Since I first saw this video, I have watched it multiple times.  I am absolutely astounded at their faith, determination, and hope to continue living and making a difference in their community and world.  Emilee's mom shares in the video how people questioned "Where was your God when this happened, and why didn't He stop it?"  Her answer is incredible.  In summary, she states that we all make our own choices: good and bad, but to truly have goodness in us, we must freely choose it ourselves.  She speaks of God's strength and goodness, even in the midst of their tragedy.

I have been challenged watching this video.  I am a firm believer God brings not only people, but circumstances, songs, a random act of kindness, or even something seemingly as simple as the above video clip to remind us of God's presence in our lives.  We all go through difficult times.  It may seem like others have an easier journey than you do, but that doesn't mean God isn't there.  I believe God laughs with us just like He cries with us.  It's hard to feel His presence when you are walking a difficult journey, but don't lose hope.  The Parker family has found a new sense of "normal." I'm sure that they miss their precious child everyday but they have chosen to believe in the goodness and greatness of God to get them through.  What a testimony for those around us.  I don't know the Parker family, but I believe it has most definitely taken time to reach such a point in their new life without Emilee.  Difficult circumstances normally don't resolve themselves overnight and a lot of times we find ourselves "stuck" in a rut, unsure how to get out.  I think that just may be where the journey of life gets exciting...  

What about you?  What do friends, family, and strangers think about your life?  How do you handle awesome moments...and not-so-awesome moments?  Does evil win in your life?  I pray it doesn't.  I pray that you find hope in the journey and you reach out to those around you.  We all make our own choices each and everyday - good and bad.  Are you freely choosing "good"?  Just like Emilee's family has chosen to continue living, it's time for us to do things that need to be done as well.  Our world is in need of God's love.  Let God's love overpower you today - even if you're having a really great day.  It's time to finish what needs to be done.  May we all find come to find just "how strong and how big God's love really is."