Don't be quick judging others

To the editor:

I wasn't a follower of Charlie Kirk. I didn't even know he existed until he was shot. And I am equally certain he didn't know about me, either. We have traveled in different circles with different friends with a different calling from God. But it appears to me that God gifted Charlie, me, and you to do things according to who he created each of us to be. 

There are fools everywhere, on both sides of the political aisle. They exist in doctors' offices and in pulpits. They are in educational classrooms and business board rooms. But that doesn't mean that all preachers, doctors, teachers or businessmen are fools. So, do not be quick to judge someone else's heart. Judge with mercy, as Jesus told us to.

That being said, I am glad that God used Charlie to help bring a portion of young adults back to him that I could never reach. And God only knows, but maybe even more will come to Christ because of this tragedy. James was beheaded (Acts 12) while Peter got a "get out of jail free card." Why? Only God knows. I'm sure the church prayed for each one as they were in prison for their faith. But things happened according to the wisdom of God. 

Why is it that one person is shot in the ear while another's life is taken? Why is one healed of cancer and another's life is shortened? Where was God in each circumstance? I believe he was more than on the sidelines, watching things unfold. I choose to believe that God knows everything in advance, that nothing takes him by surprise. So, trust in the Lord with all of your heart, my friend.

Mike Bratten

Apple Valley