A tribute to Zahra

The world we live in is in a fallen state, where there are acts of evil that many of us never see or experience. Most of us spend our time in our own little worlds, ducking and weaving our way through life. We don't spend enough time getting to know those around us because we are so afraid of what they might see. We don't want to get involved in "situations" because we are "busy" with our own stuff. And then when these such events arise, we are appalled that things like this could happen so close to us. I did not know the Bakers, and I do not know if I would have ever met them, or if we would have or ever have crossed paths. But like so many others, in hindsight I wish there was something I could have done.

One can't help but be almost consumed by the media coverage of this alleged crime. Its everywhere. I was not aware that Christie Rd is amazing close to my house, as evidenced by the helicopters that circled overhead day after day over the past 3-4 weeks. A constant reminder of what seems to be a heinous crime against a little girl. It does seem that this little girl's life was ended way too early. It seems that children who knew her are seeing a reality that very few adults can understand or hope to explain. It was difficult hearing my 9 and 10 year old soccer players talk about such a deep and unexplainable series of events that involved one of their classmates. Explanations are needed, and very hard to come by.

I do however believe that God can use any situation to His good. I do believe that there are certain things that God chooses not to control, such as your free will. He gives us a choice to love Him or ignore Him and He never pushes His way into our lives. Some love Him back, others do not and they are sometimes consumed by the evil of this world. As hard as it is to accept it, God chooses not to step in and physically protect the victims and innocent children sometimes suffer here on this earth. I do believe that He protects their souls and welcomes them into His arms when their lives here are over.

It is fitting that on 11/16/2010, what would have been Zahra's 11th birthday, the weather here is cool, overcast, and rainy. The weather seems to reflect the mood of those who have been following the case. I hope that whatever happened to her is brought to light, and that those responsible are prosecuted to the highest extent of the law. But I also hope that those responsible seek forgiveness from God. He offers them the same amount of mercy, grace, and forgiveness He offers us. And what He offers is unmeasurable.

And though I did not know her and I may have never met her, from what I understand from those who did, she was full of life even though her body had been ravaged by cancer. Her spirit was strong and now her fight is over. Rest well Zahra, in the arms of the Father.