Dear ,

This past Sunday, we prayed as a church family regarding the recent shooting at the Allen Outlets.

I'm reaching out to you because I know that you and/or people you know may have anxiety and fear about returning to normal activities like going to work, shopping, or sending your children to school, especially with the multiple threats that have been made at area schools. I also know that you, like me, may be comforting children who are anxious about their safety.

A recent panic-inducing headline read, 'Nowhere is safe': Fear and anguish grip North Texas shoppers after Allen shooting.

As God's children, although we face fear and anguish in this world, we do not have to live in their grip.

To that end, I have six things to offer:

1. Your reaction is normal. Traumatic events shock our system and naturally cause us to feel fear, worry, confusion, anger, and the like (make sure you read #6).

2. Connect with others. While we all may be shaken in some way, when we come together, we gain strength. Please reach out to others instead of keeping to yourself.

3. Trained therapists are available. You can contact your shepherd for a referral to Christian Works Counseling Center if you have questions or need to talk to someone about this event (or any other traumatic event).

4. Pray for others during this time. When we take our minds off of ourselves and help others bear their burden, we gain confidence and become God's instrument to bring healing and care to others.

5. Avoid pumping yourself full of anxiety. I get the need to be aware of the latest developments. At the same time, if following the news is making you a nervous wreck, stop watching/reading/listening to it. Don't feed your fear.

6. Feed your faith. I mentioned earlier that fear, anxiety, and confusion are normal during times like this. But, we don't have to live in them. When worry, terror, and fearful people are all around us, the best thing we can do for ourselves and them is to consume God's word. It will alter how we see our God, ourselves, and our situation.

In that light, I encourage you to say the following scriptures out loud as often as you need to over the next several days. Let them sink deeply into your heart. Become familiar with them. And, if you have children, say these scriptures with them (I suggest you read a verse, let them read a verse, then keep alternating).

Cetelia and I love you, and we're praying for you.

Kevin

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Verses to Combat Fear & Worry

• Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

• The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

• For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

• The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)

• Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

• I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

• Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

• Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)

• When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

• Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

• Thank God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that in his great mercy we men have been born again into a life full of hope, through Christ’s rising again from the dead! You can now hope for a perfect inheritance beyond the reach of change and decay, “reserved” in Heaven for you. And in the meantime you are guarded by the power of God operating through your faith. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

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