This past Sunday a 71-year-old Texan, responsible, capable, well-trained, security-conscious church member, was presented an opportunity to save lives and was willing to do what needed to be done. Crucial to his description is the fact that He was armed.
Heroes give me hope, and in my viewpoint Jack Wilson is a real hero. It wasn’t a title he sought, but it was a position for which he was ready. Thankfully for many innocent lives, Wilson was in church Sunday. He was alert, ready for the circumstance he was presented, and armed!
That circumstance was unthinkable and sadly resulted in two innocent lives taken. A gunman who has been described as crazy, violent, evil… with deadly intent entered a church full of worshippers. Because of Jack Wilson’s heroic actions the gunman, who was hellbent on murder, was stopped before additional innocent lives were taken.
It is commendable that other church security team members were ready like Wilson. It is heartbreaking that even one innocent life was taken, and the victims’ grieving families and loved ones have my sympathy. It is unfortunate that the need for security exists in churches, but it does in our fallen world. It is beyond comprehension that a mind can become twisted enough to follow a depraved heart to commit callous murder.
It is clear to me that an evil was stopped Sunday in Texas. I am thankful that evil was stopped in this case within 6 seconds. I have no doubt that Sunday’s hero was Jack Wilson. He and those like him — ready to protect others even to sacrifice if necessary — give me hope.
I’m praying… God’s Comfort for the heartbroken… and in thanks to God for Jack Wilson.
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Teach me Your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes….
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
(Psalm 27: 1 – 14)