An act of terrorism

It is with much sadness and pleading that I write this entry. A member of my church family was gunned down yesterday morning while attending church service. He was gunned down for doing his job. I have never been more ashamed, disgusted or in turmoil in my life. How can someone commit murder in the House of God? Are we not safe in a House of God anymore? Is it not a place of peace?

While nobody favors abortion, the truth is that he was performing his job. Abortion is not illegal in the United States. If this radical fanatic had such a problem with abortion, then work to change the law. Gunning down someone in his church is not Pro-Life. It's terrorism. I know that. I know it doesn't represent the people who are Pro-Life, as they are against murder of any kind.

I think what's hard to fathom is that I knew his family. My father taught all his children in Sunday School. His youngest daughter taught my brother in Vacation Bible School. We attended church events with them. They were part of our family. He was a strong Christian man. I think what most people don't know is that George Tiller was a champion of women's reproductive rights. He supported women in their decisions, no matter what they decided. I was in awe of all the women who wrote about how Tiller helped them find adoptive homes for their unwanted babies, and how he helped women looking to adopt. He was not in it for the money. He wanted to help women. In addition, he helped women whose lives were endangered by pregnancy and girls raped at a young age and in an unfortunate situation.

I can only imagine what his family has gone through and and what they will face. I attended church each week and had to fend off radical abortion protesters, but Tiller's family had to encounter violence and, ultimately, death.

I think things are only going to get worse before they get better. I hope something good will come of his untimely death. I hope a discourse between pro-life and pro-choice groups will begin. I do not support abortion in general, but I know that every woman must make a decision for herself and I must not judge that decision, only He can. I know that until we provide comprehensive healthcare and support for women who choose to keep their children, then we must provide an alternative for them and that is abortion. Until we provide correct information on sexuality and reproduction to our students, we must provide abortion.

I think the only way to end this post is by calling for prayer. Not only was Tiller's family affected, but my church family was affected. The 18 year-old daughter of my youth group director was in the glass enclosed church office and witnessed the entire tragedy. Two of our family friends and ushers were threatened by the gunman. Our church has so many good memories that will now be overshadowed by this event. 13 years ago our church was built. I was part of the confirmation class that was first confirmed in the new building. My brother was confirmed there. Tiller's youngest daughter was married in our church. So please pray for the Tillers, my church family, the city of Wichita, and the nation. "Lord have mercy!' And we are so bold to proclaim and believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)

RIP George R. Tiller