Blood and Carnage ... and Vigilance

Twenty-four hours after the morning called a "time of blood and carnage" by several television correspondents reporting from Brussels, I find myself compelled once again to remind everyone that those actions which have taken place - and that are taking place -- can - and probably will - happen on American soil any time.

In fact, while the world's eyes were turned to central Europe recently, there were whispered reports (not on main stream media, of course) that Denver International Airport had closed off a section of one of their terminals because of a bomb scare. In another report, officials in Tucson, Arizona were investigating yet another terrorism threat. All within that last 24 hours.

As things unfolded in Brussels, my dear friend Pastor Dave from Sedalia, Missouri posted on Facebook that we should all be praying for the folks suffering because of the events there. He's right ... we should all be praying for everyone who suffers at the hands of these cowards.

I also believe we should be reminding everyone we know to "ramp up" when it comes to being vigilant. We should be less worried about "profiling" and more concerned about being on the lookout for - and reporting - behavior that seems to be suspicious in any way. Remember, the neighbor of the folks who perpetrated the mass killings in San Bernardino reported that he had noticed suspicious behavior but had chosen not to report it because he didn't want to be seen as "racist."

So, please, let's pray for those who are suffering, and not only in Brussels but in France and San Bernardino and other places recently targeted by the terrorists. But let's also remember to remain vigilant: to keep our eyes open and our guard up.

We can be watchful without being afraid. Fear is the product these cowards are seeking. They want us to be cringing in fear. They want us to crawl under rocks and hide.

But God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us, among other things, a sound mind. Let's use those sound minds to watch and prepare. And maybe we can avoid so much blood and carnage.