My alarm woke me up at 6:15 this morning. As I clumsily reached for my cell phone to shut it off, I notice I had two text messages from last night. Both of them informed me that Osama Bin Laden was dead.

I was still trying to wake up amidst, also processing this news. I started to think of all the families who have lost loved ones. What were they feeling in the wake of this news? Did it make them happy? Did it bring them closure? Did it drudge up the pain and grief of losing a loved one, making it fresh again?

I flipped on one of the news stations to listen to the recap, as I readied for work. They were showing different celebrations that were taking place; Washington D.C., The Naval Academy, Time Square. Even during a MLB game last night, the crowd started to chant, “USA, USA, USA”. I got goosebumps. Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that I have a cord that runs deep within my being that is 100% patriotic. I tear up anytime I hear the our national anthem. I am so grateful of the countless men and women who have sacrifice time, comfort, and their lives, so that I can be free. I thank God for them.

With that being said, its not crazy that my next thought was, “I’m glad that Bin Laden is dead.” However, immediately I was convicted that instead of celebrating his death, I should be mourning the loss of his soul. The probability of Bin Laden denouncing his extreme Islamic views, repenting, and bowing his life to the subjection of Christ is minuscule. Please hear me...Bin Laden was a horrible, horrible man. He killed thousands of people, changing the lives of thousands of families. His extreme views blanketed lives of women and children with suffocating oppression. However, Christians should not lose focus of the cross in the wake of this news. None of us deserve the grace and mercy that has been bestowed upon us, no, not ONE of us. If Christ is truly the King on the throne of our lives, then we should be mourning the fact that Bin Laden’s soul is eternally separated from the glory of God. How truly sobering it is to really think about.

Dear God,
I pray that daily, I feel the weight of the souls who are on the verge of living eternally separated from your glory. May I have the resolve to push off the mindless things of this world, the distractions, the things that have no eternal value. May I pick up your cross daily and share your love with everyone I come into contact with. Amen.

May we all soak in this passage of scripture:
"As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" Ezekiel 33:11

Finally to close this entry, I'd like to re-post quotes that echo where my heart is:

“Glad the world has one less tyrant but am hoping to stay human and loving enough to not celebrate death and what breaks the heart of Jesus.” J.Ware

“Feeling torn. So thankful justice has been served regarding Bin Laden. Sobered that Bin Laden will be in hell for eternity. Some may rejoice in his eternal damnation, which means you probably haven't considered how horrible hell is. Christ followers, let's please be mindful of how we're responding to the big news.” R.Wing

“Let`s be glad that justice has been served to this nation, but let us also remember that Bin Laden also had a soul. He is spending an eternity away from the goodness of God right now if he did not accept God as his Savior. He may deserve it, but don’t we deserve hell too for all the sins we have committed? Praise is due to a God who saves.” E.Ferdlemen