Roseburg's Tears by Michael Kroning

Roseburg, OR

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

October 1, 2015: The Shots Heard 'Round the County – and the World:SHOCKED! STUNNED! NOT HERE! NOT IN ROSEBURG! NOT IN OUR CITY!

The News – Unbelievable.
The Pain – Unbearable.
The Tears – Uncontrollable.
The Soul – Inconsolable.

BUT GOD...

Our Father of Mercies and the God of all comfort is an ever-present help in time of need. He brings a peace that passes all understanding, which makes no sense to our minds. His peace caresses and consoles the trembling and sorrowful heart. He is near to the brokenhearted.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy WILL come in the morning. How long is the night? No one knows. It's as long as it takes. You can't hurry grief. It varies from person to person. But one thing is sure...sorrow may long endure... But the NIGHT WILL END! It cannot shut out God's Light of Mercy and Grace! (Photo via KLCC)

Yes, there will always be a hole in our hearts that can never be replaced. Yes, we will feel a deep enduring loss for our loved ones who've gone to be with Jesus. But it is GOD Who owns the future, NOT the evil one! He will even cause good to come to pass out of what was cruelly meant for evil.

A SHIFT has come to Douglas County – not unlike we felt at the aftermath of 9-11. Our innocence may be lost, but the spirit of this community has awakened with a roar!

TEARS, Uncontrollable Tears, have caused many to consider their own mortality. Life is no longer predictable, no longer under the control of our own plans, intentions or willpower, as if it ever was. We are all vulnerable to events outside of our control. Now the very tears of our sorrow have softened the parched ground of this community.

Like the winter snows on barren soil, these tears can soften and penetrate the recesses of the heart and awaken many to their need for God.

These Tears of Sorrow Will Indeed Produce a Harvest!

Many who have never considered their own eternal fate have, IN AN INSTANT, been confronted with their own mortality and vulnerability. Many are seeking answers; many are asking, "Why?" We, who are children of the Light, are the only ones who are able to bring light to the darkness around us.

Like the ground that opens up in an earthquake, the shaking of this event has opened up a WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY for God to do an amazing work in our midst! Out of the ashes of this great tragedy will spring the mighty phoenix of God's Holy Spirit.(Photo via Oregon Live)

Roseburg and Douglas County SHALL SEE the Salvation of the Lord!

At the darkest hour of WWII, when Britain was under constant bombardment and all seemed to be lost, Churchill rallied the nation to declare, "This was their Finest Hour!"

Could This Become Douglas County's Finest Hour?

Could this horrific event usher in the greatest awakening in the history of Douglas County? YES! But only if the Church is willing to do whatever the Lord asks of us. Will we YIELD our will and respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit? Will we put aside our own insecurities and fears and simply say, "Here am I, Lord, Send me! Send me"?

Let us consider the words of the hymn, "Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying", written by Daniel March in 1868, shortly after the horrific tragedy of America's Civil War:

Hark, the voice of Jesus calling,
"Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting,
Who will bear the sheaves away?"
Long and loud the Master calls us,
Rich reward He offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying,
"Here am I, send me, send me"?

If you cannot cross the ocean,
And the distant lands explore,
You can find the lost around you,
You can help them at your door;
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow's mite;
What you truly give for Jesus,
Will be precious in His sight.

If you cannot speak like angels,
If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
You can say He died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked,
With the judgment's dread alarms,
You can lead the little children
To the Savior's waiting arms.

If you cannot be the watchman,
Standing high on Zion's wall,
Pointing out the path to Heaven,
Offering life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your bounties
You can do what Heaven demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron,
Holding up the prophet's hands.

If among the older people,
You may not be apt to teach,
"Feed My lambs," said Christ, our Shepherd,
"Place the food within their reach."
And it may be that the children
You have led with trembling hand,
Will be found among your jewels,
When you reach the better land.

Let none hear you idly saying,
"There is nothing I can do."
While the lost of earth are dying,
And the Master calls for you;
Take the task He gives you gladly;
Let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calls you,
"Here am I, send me, send me."

Michael Kroning from Roseburg, Oregon
Email: YourNewFeedback@gmail.com