Before I discuss the tragic murder of someone who was absolutely innocent and precious, please allow me to offer my condolences to those affected or dealing with the loss of a loved one in the Orlando Pulse Night Club shooting. It is absolutely horrific and completely tragic that both of these shootings occurred.
After hearing the news of Christina Grimmie's tragic murder on Friday night and subsequent passing Saturday morning, I found myself bawling hysterically and feeling completely numb.
How could someone so young, so full of life, so full of love for everyone she met, and with so much purpose be senselessly murdered?
All weekend I awaited the media to give me answers. I was glued to my phone regrettably because I couldn't do much else. Yet, in all the chaos and violence, I realized something profound:
1. There is no reason good enough for this senseless act and we must find it in our hearts to carry on Christina's legacy of love after properly grieving her loss.
2. I don't believe that God causes bad things to happen in this world because he's not the ruler of it. John 10:10 says: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
3. The victory that overcomes the world is
our faith. -1 John 5:4-5. Christina was open about her faith in
Jesus (some speculate this may be why she was targeted) and it is what saved her and brought her right to heaven and in Jesus's arms when she was shot.
As most of you know, back in March I was selected as a part of Rachel Platten's Tour Crew for her Orlando show at the Cheyenne Saloon. I remember all four of us girls were standing by the merch table awaiting our next assignment when Christina introduced herself to us with a sweet smile and bubbly voice. She was wearing a beanie and a hoodie despite the Florida warmth. Her brother Marcus was right by her side. She told us to make sure that no one other than Marcus was selling merch at her merchandise table. It was apparent right away that her brother and her were very close.
At around 8:30 that night she took the stage and having never really heard of her, I didn't know what to expect but when she started singing. I was completely starstruck by her immense voice and talent. And she performed some of her "Voice" covers as well as performed some of her originals some off her debut LP With Love and others off her recent EP, Side A. At the end of her performance, she urged people to come say hi after the concert as she would be hanging out at her merch table to sign autographs and take pictures. Even though she had such success so young, I felt a great humility about her.
Then, she later came on and sang with Rachel during her live performance of Stand By You. I may have not personally interacted with Christina but as I was asked to monitor the merchandise table following the concert along with the rest of the tour crew, I watched as Christina interacted with old and new fans alike and each one was greeted with a genuine smile from someone who was really listening to and soaking in everything the fans had to say to her. Again, you could see how humble and kind she was. And the best part was she was laughing and animated as if they were old friends.
Two of those people she interacted with that night were my mother and father. They were incredibly starstruck by her as well and eagerly awaited the chance to go over and let her know how amazing they thought her set was. And she was so kind to them. And it's something I will never forget witnessing.
You can see me in the top picture in the pink hoodie. Christina Grimmie, thank you for teaching us ALL that LOVE is a verb, that dreams are meant to be chased (even when you want to give up) and that sound faith will carry you through this life and into the next.
Then, to wake up the following day and see that over 100 people were either injured or killed while celebrating life at a nightclub in Orlando really disturbed me. Yet, with all this tragedy I think the best thing we can do is STOP sowing hate in this world (and that starts on social media). Stop posting argumentative political posts because James 3:16 specifically states: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
This evil occurred because of this principle as well as the choices of two men who may or may not have been in their right state of mind.
With that in mind, my friend wrote and shared this today and I thought it summed up Christina poeticly
The Grimmie family is in my prayers and especially Marcus during this difficult time. Don't allow unforgiveness to settle in your heart but find comfort that each of you will see Christina again.
If you would like to support both or one of the funds for both tragedies please donate at the links below.
Until next time, remember this my friends: ‘When the worst happens—whether war or flood or disease or famine—and we take our place before this Temple (we know you are personally present in this place!) and pray out our pain and trouble, we know that you will listen and give victory.’ -2 Chronicles 20:9
Thank you, dear Christina. Now please rest in peace. <3 p="">
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
