I’m having a hard time getting my mind around what happened at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. I know I am not alone.

Here are some of the thoughts and issues running through my mind.

First, I am amazed at the neighbor who confronted the shooter and actually wounded him and then joined a complete stranger to chase the killer. I listened to a riveting interview with Stephen Willeford. He said he felt that the Holy Spirit took hold of him and gave him clarity as he confronted the killer.

Mr. Willeford told how terrified he was as he ran out of his house barefooted to take on the murderer. It is an amazing story.

Second, it is also one of the saddest stories I can remember. Like the Charleston shooting, these were kind, loving, people who gathered as the Church to worship God. Eight members of one family died.

While some people are ridiculing the call to prayer, I can’t think of anything more powerful or helpful. What a privilege to call the names of people before the Lord of the universe. Let us be people who bless and remember this hurting church and community in prayer.

Third, the size of the church and the community make it even more tragic. I grew up in a town of 1,000 people. This town is about one-half that size. I know how close knit towns like this are. These are not strangers. It is people they saw often. I can see how difficult it will be to move beyond these events.

Finally, I hurt for the children–their children but also for your children. What do you speak to your children about what happened? I actually read a very helpful article about what to say. You can find it here.

This is not easy for any of us. We need to reassure one another that we will pray and that we will get through the pains of life together.

Last night I spoke with a mother in our church whose daughter has died. She gave testimony about the love of her church family to get her through this. It’s that way with all of us.

Let us be loving, kind, and strong as we seek to bless and help each other.