There is something about tragedy that brings clarity. The horrific reports we heard Friday out of Newtown, Connecticut – about a young man, who, fresh off of murdering his own mother, walked into an elementary school and killed 26 people, including 20 children – remind us of that.

I wanted to write on another topic this week, but my heart, my mind, and eventually, my fingers on the keyboard, redirected me to Connecticut.

In the wake of the tragedy, various politicians and pundits have offered theories on how we can “fix” this, ranging from increased gun control to more state services for mental illness, but those closest to the heartbreak have had a different focus. They are turning (or perhaps returning) to their faith; the churches in Newtown are overflowing. When tragedy hits, most of us, just like the folks in this small Connecticut town, instinctively look to God.

There was a similar response following the Columbine shootings, the Virginia Tech massacre, and the September 11 events. But, why is that? What is it about a catastrophe that elevates the importance of God?

In desperate times like these we realize that we are dependent creatures after all. Stripped of pretense, forced to face the cruel reality of this fallen world, our view of life becomes much clearer. And more than anything else, we need hope.

We need hope to carry on.

This hope is not found in government programs, or legislation, or elected officials. This hope is not found in this world. We can only find true, lasting hope in Jesus Christ, a message we will all celebrate one week from now.

And that’s why at CRE we are so privileged to aid and represent Christians who want to share their faith – the good news of Jesus – with others. They are bearers of hope.

Post by Nate Kellum