#NoogaStrong

Posted by: Rachel Johnson

Before you read any further, take note: this is a blog. Not a news website but an opinion-based site where I have the right to say whatever I want and you don't have to agree. Glad I got that off my chest because this topic is a sensitive one that recently has had many of us at a loss for words. No doubt by now you are fully aware of the national news that took place in the "Best Town Ever" also known as Chattanooga, TN. You know what's crazy? It was just an average Thursday. By 10:30 that morning, I was already through my second cup of coffee, per usual, and daydreaming about the upcoming weekend. Those thoughts quickly changed when the words "active shooter" exploded on social media. To be honest, as sad as it is, there are shootings almost every day in Chattanooga so I did not pay it much attention until I heard that a policeman was involved, then Marines, then a Navy sailor. My day, along with thousands of other Chattanoogans, was instantly changed.

It's been five days since the event took place and yet people all over this city are searching for answers. "Why did this happen?" seems to be the mystery that officials are seeking to discover. Now, while I wish I knew the answer to that question, I do not know why. But perhaps a better question that is being asked in which I believe I have the answer to is, "How do I respond?" Let's be honest, if you're a true Charisma Chatt fan, then you know that our faith is pretty important to us. In fact, it's the most important part of our lives. And when tragedy strikes, no matter if its national or personal, we all try our hardest to have faith. You see, I do believe that the Bible is true and just as relevant to my life today as it was to the lives of people thousands of years ago. Therefore, I read it and turn to its verses to help me cope during times that do not make any sense. So, whether faith is important to you or you're just now exploring yours, here are a few verses from the Bible that help me understand how to react to last week's tragedy that took place in my city. 1. Love God with all of your heart. Matthew 22:37: Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." The most important thing we can do is turn to God and love Him because He first loved us. Like I said, I do not know why but I know that God has a reason for everything in our lives.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 12:31: The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." So, who is our neighbor? Well, honestly, it's everyone. It's our friends, of course, but it's also the people who we find it difficult to love. The best way to start "loving" someone you don't actually like? Try praying for them every day and see if you notice a change of heart or perspective.

3. Love the Muslim people. Leviticus 19:33-34: When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Hey, guess what? Muslims are people! I've heard firsthand how many here in Chattanooga are scared to go out in public because of the misconception from non-Muslims. This breaks my heart. The man who did this should be viewed as one Kuwaiti, American male, NOT 6 million Arab Americans OR 8 million Muslim Americans. (Stole that from a Tweet but I love it.) In order to be #NoogaStrong, we must first and foremost demonstrate the greatest and truest form of the word love. 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Let's do our best to show love throughout this community to people who are hurting, confused, and broken.

#charismachatt #chattanooga #noogastrong #noogastrong #lifestyle