REALITY CHECK
He looked suspicious to me. I sat waiting to pick up my daughter in the crowded church parking lot, but I did park legally for a change. My truck was backed into the tight parking place, which is a necessity for my truck that takes a country acre to turn around.
With my truck waiting for the quick getaway, the tailgate facing south toward the buildings, I had the perfect bird’s eye view of the rest of the parking lot. The sunny Arizona afternoon in late summer didn’t mix well with my senses and the man’s heavy green sweater… not to mention the sweater was button less ugly.
He was a large and wide set man with girth from head to toe and his head wasn’t out of proportion. The church we attend is a big church, one of the biggest in the greater Phoenix area. Those type of large gatherings of people could attract some bad folks. With my daughter as one in the gathering, I was paying even closer attention to details.
The minor hulk of a man, with a green sweater to match, didn’t fit the mold of a terrorist. He was light-haired with a ruddy complexion, but I’ve been duped by others and more times than I can recall along life’s merry way. Not that I want to judge a book by its cover, but in that case misjudging or not using any common sense at all could lead to a lifetime of regret.
I watched the man amble, shifting his weight from one side to the other in excess, as he crossed the parking lot. He walked up beside a nice burnt metallic orange Porsche… maybe putting colors together wasn’t his strong suit… He might have been color blind, but one thing was for sure, the big guy wasn’t a terrorist or a crazy man. And he most certainly did not have a wife…
He paused between the cars with is driver’s door open, I thought for a second maybe he kept his body sized shoehorn in the trunk to help jam his oversized body into the tiny two-seat sports car. He then reached down to the hem of his ugly sweater with hands on opposite sides as he peeled what would surely be the ugly Christmas sweater contest winner over his head, hair flying wildly and reflecting the sun through the hairs the static electricity from the sweater left as a gift while passing them over.
I was watching intently and cautiously until the sweater had been shed… it all came to me in a flash on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the large church parking lot as I waited to pick up my youngest. The cold black pistol in the brown leather holster strapped on the generous side of the man reminded me that the evil world has free access to where some of us go to worship and honor our Father.
That man was there to protect against the bad people in case they attacked the innocent people… Of course the evil people would disagree with my perspective, they believe you and I as Christians and non-Muslims are worthy of death. A reality check that the real world and our enemies have landed…
My heart breaks for my daughters and the younger generations that have to live in a world I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams when I was their age. While I believe our Father is sovereign, I also believe He gives us wisdom to be mindful of our world and the ability to protect that which has been entrusted to us.
Guns in the house of God… I’ll bet you have some thoughts on this… While we still have the right to express them, I’d like to hear yours…
Mia
Sunday, December 1, 2013 @ 1:49 pm
Dear Floyd
This is such a sad reality. What makes these criminals and murderers of our time so dangerous, in my mind, is the heartless, cold-bloodedness with which they commit their heinous crimes. But what I find even more dangerous and heartbreaking, is the widespread deceptive teachings doing the Christian rounds. It seems at times that there are more wolves in sheep’s clothing than there is sheep to manipulate for profit. This has eternal consequences and that makes me especially sad. When I realize that there is going to be thousands upon thousands of people who are going to stand before Jesus dumbfounded, reciting all the “good” things like preaching, teaching,,prophesying etc. they did in Jesus’ name whom Jesus will answer them that He never knew them. Brother, that troubles and scares me so incredibly much. It is like some deceitful “shepherds” just have no conscience. Great post!!
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:17 am
That’s a great point, Mia. Sometimes the most imminent danger is the one that comes in disguise. Excellent point! Thanks, Mia.
child of God
Sunday, December 1, 2013 @ 9:25 pm
Freedom of speech is slowly diminishing, especially for the Christian.
Here is Canada our violence is increasing but we are not at the level of violence that you see in the United States. There are areas in the Country where you tread carefully but anywhere like some cities in the US. Soon Christians here in all of North America will be persecuted just like in Iran or Syria. The flood gates are opening. The signs of the time is yet again proving Biblical prophecy is true. As Jesus prepares to rapture His church the evil wickedness increases as people become lovers of self and look out for their number one.
Come Lord Jesus, come!
Blessings brother,
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:19 am
It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion, isn’t it? And they refuse to hear… It’s heartbreaking… I’m with you, sister. Thanks.
Hazel Moon
Sunday, December 1, 2013 @ 11:17 pm
The ugly green sweater should have been a tip off that he was there to protect some one’s little girl. We live in an age when reason has flown out the door. I do believe we as citizens have the right to bear arms, lest only the criminals would have them. We have a gun, but if we needed it, it would be hard to find.
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:35 am
I’m with you, Hazel. It’s just hard to imagine living with this kind of reality when we were kids. My how things have changed… Thanks, Hazel.
Bill (cycelguy)
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 6:13 am
your title says it all Floyd: reality check. Although not as susceptible (or so we think) to the violence of the big city, I am not totally unaware it could happen here. We have background checks now for all who work with the children. Didn’t used to. I am almost positive we have some who carry guns into our worship. I prefer not to know. 🙂 It is a sad reality.
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:36 am
Yup… I guess that pretty much sums it up, brother… Thanks, Bill.
Lisa notes
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 8:44 am
You sure know how to turn a story, Floyd. I would have been suspicious too.
We have security people at my church too. At first I didn’t even like the idea of it (even though they’re very unnoticeable), but I guess I see it now as one more barrier against the “what-if’s” in our world. I don’t know how much evil it can keep away, but I pray it does help promote more peace in whatever ways it can. It’s also a reminder to me though that we’re never totally physically safe in this world, regardless of how much protection we have, and it makes me more thankful for the complete spiritual protection we have! Jesus is the only one we can really rely on.
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:40 am
You’re spot on, Lisa. We never know. I often ponder all the times we’ve been protected by our Father’s hand and don’t even know it, but the spiritual protection is eternally better! Good call. Thanks, Lisa.
Micah
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:26 am
Talk about a controversial topic. You can see validity to both sides but living in the UK it’s pretty difficult to imagine a scenario where I’d feel comfortable to advocate for guns in church. But I recognise there are other places in the world (East Africa, China etc.) where persecution for Christians is a very real and often deadly reality. There’s no easy answer, but I’d have to lean toward it being something that shouldn’t happen.
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 10:45 am
I appreciate the comment, Micah. It’s interesting to get a perspective from someone living somewhere else. It’s definitely controversial, even here, or maybe even more so here. With all the mass shootings going on these days change about how to deal with it is a reality. Thanks, Micah.
David Rupert
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
I go to a big church too and we have armed security. It used to be the safest places in the world were schools and churches.
A couple of years ago in Colorado New life church (Ted Haggard) had a roving gunman. Their security officer took him out.
Sad reality
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 4:33 pm
Wow! I hadn’t heard about that! Funny how when guns save countless lives it’s not picked up by the mainstream media. Sad reality indeed. Thanks for sharing that, David.
Barb Raveling
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
Wow, I had no idea churches had security people. But I guess it makes sense. High schools in big cities have them – churches, too. Oh, for the good old days when you didn’t have to worry about things like that. Although, I suppose in the really old days, you had to worry about things like that in different parts of the world.
As a mom, it’s hard to hear all those things and not worry about your kids. When my own kids were just starting to be independent and bike around town on their own, I had to give myself little lectures so I could let them go. Have also had to learn to not worry about them, otherwise I would be worrying all the time!
Floyd
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 4:45 pm
I worry quite a bit about the girls, which also means I pray about and for them quite a bit. The good old days weren’t always grand, but having to worry about massacres where we gather in large numbers is clearly disturbing. Thanks, Barb.
Jennifer Dougan
Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 7:20 pm
Hi Floyd,
While I’m not a huge gun fan, I know they are needed for wars, for our freedom to bear arms, and that people like them for protection. I don’t have one or want one, but –you’ll laugh– my dad has a conceal and carry and actually provides the security at his church during their weekly free breakfast and outreach to about 150-200 street people. Fights sometimes break out or substance abuse rages and he has been called in to render a peaceful presence. 🙂
He’s good at it, my papa. 🙂
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 10:45 am
How cool! A man of God’s presence with the heart to care for and serve his countrymen is a thing of honor. What a legacy your dad is living. He is a peacemaker… What a blessing. Thanks for sharing that, Jennifer!
Hazel Moon
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 1:20 pm
Thank you for sharing with us again at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:16 am
Thanks for having me, Hazel! You’re too good to me!
Ngina Otiende
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 3:09 pm
Floyd, a few months ago my home church in Kenya came under attack during a leadership class..gunmen walked right into the sanctuary, robbed and held people at gun-point. And our church was not the first – or last – to be attacked over the months. So there’s been a lot of talk and debate about arming the shepherds and ushers. It’s still a long debate..
I completely agree with you. It’s a new world.
Ngina Otiende
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 3:11 pm
Which means we need to be alert and deal with things in a different way than we are used to. great thoughts.
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:21 am
Excellent point. What we thought before won’t begin to work for us now. Much wisdom, sister. Thanks.
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:20 am
Wow… That’s close to home and your heart. The problem with human nature is that bad people will bully and abuse the ones that can’t or won’t stand up for themselves. Funny how the people in all of human history that have stood to protect the ones that couldn’t protect themselves are thought of as heroes… So much for the Darwin’s theory… This is God’s creation. The bad hearted people lose, always have, always will. I’m praying for your church and their protection from Above, Ngina. Thanks for sharing this.
Doug Blair
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 3:42 pm
Better one arrive with a dozen cell phones and no pistol. I am afraid that there are getting to be too many knee-jerk shootings of the wrong people. The whole vigilante thing scares me; and when the bullet has exited, it is too late.
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:23 am
Good point, but in all the mass shootings that have taken place in the several years, plenty of people had cell phones. Thanks, Doug.
Dan Black
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 @ 4:09 pm
The past several years, we have seen the negative and hateful things that have been done when the wrong people get access to a gun/guns. We can never know the full intent of a person who is carrying a gun. We have to use common sense and wisdom when we see someone who is carrying one. Good thoughts!
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:31 am
It’s a hot topic for sure. I had dinner with a friend of ours who is a police officer and said he carries his gun even when he’s off duty. Knowing people like him are out there makes me feel a whole lot better. We never get to hear too many stories like the one in Colorado where the off duty police woman shot and killed a man inside a theatre who was beginning to shoot other people at random. Thanks for the input, Dan.
David
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 9:11 am
Wow! I wish I had more time, I’ve got a 500+ word essay swimming around up there in the ole grey matter.
While I’m not sure guns belong in the house of God, we as the Temple of God (or not), do still have the right to bear them in this country – at least for now. There have been many reports of individuals openly carrying a side arm, often causing a stir, but remember it IS okay, although unnerving to some degree. But look at what has become of our culture. And now, because of the prevalent evil all around us, guns, being inappropriately used by those who would do evil, carry a bad connotation and our culture vilifies the gun and, by extension, the person bearing said gun. All the while not knowing that the motive of that person may be nothing more than an expression of their right to do so – and maybe, to cause a potential bad-guy to think twice before looking their way.
It is, none-the-less, sad that our freedom and safety have been compromised to such a degree that we feel we need to carry a gun even into the building where we worship God. I can only imagine what it must be like for those worshipers in underground churches in communist and closed (to Christianity) Muslim countries.
Personally, I’ve never owned a gun, but I have considered changing that situation … while I still can …
Sorry, I think I came closer to 500 words than I intended anyway … 🙂
Floyd
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 @ 11:48 am
No, David, your thoughts are always cherished. There is no easy answer. Us wanting other people to be like us isn’t a reality. Sad but true. Keep me posted, via email if you want, on if you actually get a gun. It can be a little unsettling to see the ones who carry sidearms on their hips, and I gotta say, the times I’ve been to foreign countries where the armed guards carry fully automatic guns scare the hec outta me! Thanks, David.
Loren Pinilis
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:07 pm
I’m not particularly legalistic one way or the other, but I do think guns in a church is an area where people need to be incredibly discerning and submissive to the opinions of others. It could really rile some people up, and that may not be worth it.
Loren Pinilis
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 2:08 pm
By the way, we have armed and uniformed officers at our church. I think no one really has a problem with someone carrying a gun if they’re a uniformed officer.
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:31 pm
We have policemen that direct traffic, but we obviously have some undercover ones as well.
Floyd
Thursday, December 5, 2013 @ 3:30 pm
Good point, Loren. That’s the sign of Who we serve. Thanks, man.
Joanne Norton
Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
I am very concerned about my kids and grandkids. My kids aren’t a pile younger than you, but their focus on what’s OK in this country and others that are connected to much sinfulness being acceptable really hurts my heart. And, the g-kids are seeing more and more, too. I was buried in sinfulness until the Lord broke in, as I’ve told you before, and, loving people is one thing, but accepting the sinfulness is another. My focus on your post might not be exactly what you were trying to share about, but this is what hit me. Put up with me if you can… ;-). Bless you. You share very well every time.
Floyd
Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 7:43 am
You make a great point about our culture and society, Joanne. Even our next generation that knows the truth has been a little more influenced by the ploys of the enemy. Excellent point. It all adds up to where we are now. Thanks for sharing your heart and I always appreciate your wisdom and heart, sister and it’s an honor to have you here! Thanks, Joanne.
SimplyDarlene
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 8:41 am
Good day, sir Floyd. I made my way to your place for the Christmas Chores post and as I scrolled down the page, I found this one. I’m a wee bit late to the discussion, but I have very strong opinions regarding related topics. I’ve spent countless hours and efforts researching and reading and seeking my interpretation of God’s will (for me and my family ) on this matter… not specifically carrying in church, but bearing arms as a Believer.
If you are interested, here’s the link. It’s a 4-part series, and like I said, I spend a lot of time presenting both sides.
http://simplydarlene.com/a-christian-womans-stance-on-firearms/
And to answer your question, I reckon over half of the families at our church carry concealed. Once a person is committed (lots of training; lots of training; lots of training) to it, it’s not a matter of when and where, rather it becomes part of who you are as a protector, a dad, a mom, a teacher, etc.
Thanks for asking. And for being respectful in your responses. I appreciate it.
Blessings.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 11:31 am
Thanks for the comment, Darlene. I thoroughly enjoyed your series on gun control! Well done, sister! Wow! Thanks for sharing that common sense with honor and dignity, sister!