Strength to Face the Hell we Create

If only she would have paused, reflected, went back, and did not allow fear to consume her.

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/easter-crash-trial-aimee-709883.html

Fear was the beginning of Aimee Michael’s demise. The beginning of a guilt filled conscience that will surely haunt her for the remainder of her life. Her self created torture continued with her participating in what that fear produced, The Cover Up. Finally, as if that is not enough weight for the cross she has to carry, her selfish belief that her soul would have allowed her to live with what the continuation of fear accomplished solidified her demise and instituted her hell. Hell is what we create while on earth when we are dominated by fear!

At that moment, during the hiding from the secular (police) Aimee sealed her fate. She killed herself along with five other people.

Returning to the scene immediately would have proven that fear did not win. The Return would have provided all those left living with a less challenging attempt to forgive. Aimee's departure as the flames engulfed life, removed that one element that God gives, Immediate Grace.

Fear won on that Easter Sunday. Wow! Easter Sunday! The day Christ came back, the day he returned without fear of being slaughtered again. Christ defied all Non-Believers and validated his power for Believers. With all we know about Christ, I ask when will we be as he was: Courageously Bold?

Aimee, obviously, with her fear of facing her mistake did not believe that she would have been worthy. Worthy of God's understanding. Worthy of man's strength to usher her back into God's unconditional loving fold. But, what did we expect considering man’s inability to resist the temptation to judge? What did we expect considering the absence of courage?

http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/kunst/briton_riviere/daniel-1.jpg

Lord God...where are the Daniel's among us? He stood in that den never fearing that he would be devoured. He boldly turned his back toward the enemy as to express, 'Even with my back turned, I fear nothing. Fear will not cause me to reason with the enemy while I am temporarily in this den. I shall look to the heavens for my courage. My strength.”

Amiee Michael had her chance to Turn Around. To be as strong as Daniel. Now, she leaves freedom behind without looking back:

We have to go back. Return. Turn around. That's the only way to address the pain and horror we have injected into God's universe.

As we leave here today, remember not to kill yourself and others with fear as your weapon. Go to/turn to/return to someone you have wronged. Face what you have caused. Be faithful – as Daniel – he defeated what Aimee could not.

Amen and Amen!

Written by the Preacher you will not hear during America’s most segregated hour - 11:00AM Sunday Morning.