But that most certainly doesn’t mean we’ll never heal.

The question of what the killing spree at a local theater means for citizens of our community comes on the precipice after fires burned thousands of acres, not to mention many homes, oppressive heat struck down our agriculture and natural resources, and the devastating disaster of a mad man shooting our people. From this point there is no turning back. The only option is to climb down toward the valley where peace resides, or take a leap of faith and trust that if God doesn’t provide a net, he will give us wings.

Yes, it sounds cliche… But it is not.

The horror of this position would be in remaining here, in this place, refusing to move forward. That we will not do. We are, after all, Coloradoans. We know the value of adventure.

Over the hill are green pastures, springs of living water, and peace that passes all understanding. Up the mountain is a view that can’t be explained, no man can capture, and never will be repeated. Into the valley runs a river that gurgles along peacefully carrying brownies and rainbow trout fit for a good night’s dinner, and more refreshment than any man deserves.

Life is not easy. Here in Colorado, we don’t expect simple, easy, and accept nothing without a challenge.

Yes, our hearts are broken that such a horrific act could take place within the realm of our magnificent reality, and yet… our spirits soar.

Our strength comes from above, from the heavens, from God. Our hope is in Christ. Our faith goes beyond the horror, beyond the travesty of a deviant who kills, maims and molests. Our lives are built on nothing less than the foundation of love that flows from the creator, God who provides the beauty of majestic mountains, rolling hills and waving fields of a harvest that is yet to come. We know that this is just a place of preparation and the next place, the land that will come… offers the grandeur of Heaven.

Our hearts may be broken, but our spirits soar.

God have mercy on the families who have suffered such tragedy.