Where there is an evil will, there is an evil way.

"Evil is unspectacular and always human,

and shares our bed and eats at our table."

Auden’s tribute to Herman Melville

Another time for reflection:

The increase of violence around the world resulting in mass murders is usually with guns but not always. Because … “where there is an evil will, there is an evil way”

“Guns are almost innocent till we use them illegibly for greedy reasons.” This wisdom from @AliAnani

In the spiritual realm “evil is greedy” ~ fem-v

A look at things inside-out rather more than outside-in (spiritual more than physical)

Before I say more … let me say, with much earnestness, that what I offer is human opinion … based on wisdom which comes from God & insights from years of studying the Bible … which we are told are “God-breathed” words. I hope you will read to the end about the “birth pains”

Perhaps this insight will help some look beyond the immediate & the obvious. The shootings in Odessa, TX … following tragedy in Dayton, OH & El Paso TX are just the most recent “events” … The increase of violence in America and around the world that have resulted in mass murders is usually with guns but not always.

Be assured … “where there is an evil will, there is an evil way”

Here are but a few examples of such violence’s:

… in April 2013 two homemade pressure cooker bombs were used at the Boston Marathon … killing three people and injuring several hundred others, including 16 who lost limbs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Marathon_bombing

… in July 2016 a heavy truck drove into a crowd at high speed in Nice, France

... in June 2017 the London Bridge attack ... 8 people were killed & 48 were injured

… The London Bridge attack happened almost three months after a similar vehicle-ramming and stabbing attack at Westminster Bridge in London.

I happened upon this article which provides more documentation & affirms:

“We’re focusing on the wrong thing”

https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/08/mass-murder-without-guns/

… “There is much focus this week on the role of guns in mass murders. But the history of such atrocities teaches us that other methods can be just as effective.

I am currently creating an encyclopedia of mass murder in America and have catalogued 504 incidents so far. Common methods used throughout our history include axes, hatchets, blunt objects, knives, hanging, drowning, poison gas, poison, fire, and aircraft (and not just on 9/11). Some of the rarer weapons demonstrate that where there is an evil will, there is a way…

The article concludes: “If we solve the mental-illness issue, the guns do not matter.” (end)

There are many complexities but simply stated mental illness is “wrong-thinking”

Wrong-thinking … Wrong-focus … Wrong-values (living outside-in rather than-inside out)

Might the increase of violence around the world (highlighted by those resulting in mass murders) be a reflection of the decline in our values … arrived at though wrong-thinking and wrong-focus

If you want to read more about how people have changed/I posted this just hours before the shooting in Odessa, TX

"Dark hearts" and dangerous guns: Have guns changed or have people changed?

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania/dark-hearts-and-dangerous-guns-have-guns-changed-or-have-people-changed

For years I have had the thought that:

“Physical problems require physical cures & spiritual problems require spiritual cures” ~ fem-v

These are spiritual problems: evil, hate, violence, murder, fear, confusion, prejudices (racism) … to name just a few …

The root & source of evil: is Satan … he is THE “evil one” … a murderer, the Accuser, the “Father of LIES” and the author of division, fear, confusion & chaos … Satan’s strategies are “radical” and he has an army to carry out his (spiritual) warfare

Evil is its own motive ... there is no need to look further.

Knowingly or unknowingly people cooperate with the “evil one” & become instruments of evil.

Only God knows the human heart: motives for evil & destruction … the uncounted details of every “broken” human being whose wrong-thinking, wrong-focus, hardened heart & devastatingly bad decisions end in tragedy.

When events such as these occur … consider the root & the fruit

People look for some outward “motive” … when the root cause lies deeper in the heart, soul & spirit.

“Man looks at outward appearances but God looks at the heart” ~ 1 Samuel 16

Do not be deceived: evil, hate, violence, murder, fear, confusion, prejudices (racism) … these are spiritual problems ... that reside in the human heart.

Be aware: the cure does NOT rest with any government or any leader in government. Evil cannot be regulated … If only it were possible to legislate against evil …

“Isn’t it pretty to think so” ~Earnest Hemingway

The battle between good & evil is an ancient battle but it is a battle that is actively being fought to this day. And evil will seek to be satisfied: “Where there is an evil will, there is an evil way”

@PaulWalters … he mentioned in this beautiful post: Cry, The Beloved Country (about a tragedy in New Zealand)

“I began this piece saying perhaps callously that I wasn’t shocked, saddened yes, but not shocked”

I don’t think Paul was being “callous” … rather perceptive

All of these tragic events are in many ways prophetic: of “end times” … “the end of the age” … “the last days” in Matthew 24 Jesus likens this time to “birth pains”

Now I have only given birth to 1 child but I can testify that when giving birth: birth pains become harder… sharper … more prominent … more “violent” as the birth draws near

… AND closer together…

If you look at the history of these “violence’s” (guns or no guns) that’s an apt portrayal of what I see unfolding.

Given this: I too, will not be “shocked” when another event unfolds … and I do not want to become “calloused” either …

All I can say is what Jesus Christ admonished:

“Be on your guard”

“Keep watch”

“Be alert”

“Pray”

The cure for spiritual problems (such as “darkened understanding” & the “dark heart” of evil) is found in heart-transformation.

First one must recognize … then be willing to be transformed and cooperate with the process.

God is a grace-filled, redeeming, restoring God. Only God can bring “beauty from ashes”

“Be careful”

You don’t want to be found here: “The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Or here: "Given over by God"

“Since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God…he gave them over to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness: evil, greed, depravity, envy, murder, strife, deceit & malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant & boastful (pride) … they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless & ruthless.” ~ Romans 1

Again: This is a time to pray … but also a time to reflect. Look inward ... at the heart.

A glimpse of me ;~)

My curious nature makes me a “queen of questions” … but gifted with the ability to listen ;~) I'm a woman of deep faith, a blessed mother, a voracious reader, a blossoming writer, a grateful person, and a lover of beauty … I treasure family, true friendships and my loyal clients ... enjoy traveling, learning, good movies, good wine and golf. I’m a heart-to-heart communicator.

If my words make you think … Great ;~) let me know your thoughts “iron sharpens iron” https://www.bebee.com/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faymarmalichvietmeier/detail/recent-activity/