One of the most extraordinary things to have emerged in the aftermath of the Sutherland Springs tragedy is the apparent resilience of the church's pastor and his wife. Frank and Sherri Pomeroy lost their own daughter Annabelle in the shooting. They have spoken movingly and courageously about what happened, about their grief and devastation, and about their faith in God. They have been shining witnesses for the Christian faith. God has given them strength to face the world and speak in his name, and the Church should be grateful.
The trouble is, the world moves on. What's all over the news at the moment will drop off the front pages in a few days. First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, the small church in the small Texas town that was visited by such evil, will just join the lengthening list of similar atrocities. But what about those who are still there, next week, next month, next year? What will they face? How should we pray for them?
There's much that we don't know about the church's future. It's been hit so hard. But in some way, ministry in that town will continue. And Christians who've been horrified by what has happened must do better than the world. The danger is that we, too, forget. Those images on our screens are just that – an arrangement of pixels, disconnected from the reality behind them. So here's a challenge: that we pray, regularly and thoughtfully, for Sutherland Springs over the course of the next year. And here are some things to bear in mind as we do.
1. Grief is not over
The first shock is over, but grieving has barely begun. Those who mourn will need support for a long time.
2. Forgiveness can only be given, not demanded
The expectation that Christians will forgive whatever injuries are done them is all too often a crushing burden placed on victims. It may be possible, but it should come in its own time.
3. There's a new normal
The church community has been marked forever by this. Learning to rebuild in a way that honours and mourns the dead while giving hope to the living will be a massive task.
4. People are different
Survivors will mourn differently. There's a risk of expectations being place on them they can't fulfil. There's a risk the community will fracture because they can't accommodate how each other grieves.
5. Faith may be tested to destruction
'Why' questions may be overwhelming. It takes great wisdom, patience and grace to be able to respond adequately.
6. Joy is more than happiness
At the moment, there's too much shock and sadness to be able to imagine joy. But there'll be a time to speak of Christian hope. And the risen Christ still bears the marks of sacrifice.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
