In this age of information that we live in, we are exposed to brutal stories that make the headlines on a far too regular basis. In time, these stories fade from the media spotlight, and are replaced by yet another story poised to take center stage. These stories fade from our collective memories but they will never fade for those who were eye witnesses of the event. For many of us the names Matt McQuinn, Jonathan Blunk, and Alexander Teves will be all but forgotten in a year or two. But for Sarah Yowler, Jansen Young and Amanda Lindgren - those names will never be forgotten.
On July 20th, James Holmes terrorized a packed auditorium of movie goers, when he opened fire on the crowd indiscriminately killing 12 and wounding 58.
Three of the twelve killed were McQuinn, Blunk, and Teves. When faced with this senseless violent attack these three men choose to use their own bodies to shield their girlfriends from harm. They literally died to save the ones they loved. In time, this truth may be forgotten by most- but I don't think it will ever be forgotten by those three young women who are alive because of the heroic acts of these brave young men.
Jesus said in John 15:12-13 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
As a follower of Christ- I don't just believe that Jesus died. I believe that He died for me. He died to save me. He gave His life for me and so I will forever give my life to Him.
I will never forget the choice He made for me. The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers"
As our global community tries to understand the evil insanity that was in the mind of James Holmes- lets keep in mind the flawless remedy that is provided for us in Christ.
As you are faced with this sober reminder of mankind at its worse please remember those three young men who demonstrated mankind at its best.
With all the stories we are exposed to. Let's keep in mind Jesus' story: The Gospel. In your life, let that story continue to be told.
-- Rev. David L. Murphy, Hart Pentecostal Church
