I want to start by saying that I pray my words will come across in a way that only could be done by the work of the Holy Spirit.

I write this as my heart is heavy with sadness for the families of those who lost loved ones, friends who lost friends, a community that is utterly shaken and a world that so desperately needs transformed—a world where this is too often seen on the news and is brushed over because it simply “happened again.” Innocent lives were taken and innocent lives were wounded. This is not right and never will be right.

The world we live in today is a messed up place. There, I said it. It is extremely messed up. There are millions that are homeless and do not have access to their basic human rights such as water, food and shelter. What else are their basic human rights? There are millions of children not being educated, millions of people being discriminated against because of the color of their skin, the way that they look or the passport that they carry and there are people being killed because of their religious beliefs.

I can’t help but ask myself, why. Why God? Why does this have to happen? Why can’t you supernaturally intervene and heal our land. Heal Roseburg, Oregon. Heal Umpqua Community College. Heal the United States of America. Heal the world. Please God, just heal our land. Make all of the injustice, pain and sadness be gone—forever. But then, I am reminded that the world is an imperfect place and the only perfection we will ever experience is heaven.

But, until we make it to heaven, how are we to go about our daily lives on earth with the reality that the world is a messed up place.

We go about them as the nine shot dead did.

We go about them as the seven wounded did.

We go about them as millions and millions around the world do daily.

We go about them the way we were created to go about them—we go about them by standing up.

It is an act of bravery to stand up for what you believe in when you know that the outcome of your statement may mean death. It is an act of assurance in who you live for when you honor their name, no matter the consequence. It is an act of faith when you verbally proclaim your faith and trust in God when you know that a second later you will be meeting Him, face-to-face. To me, it is absolutely beautiful to see children of God standing up for their father and their love and faith in Him.

By no means do I understand what those affected by this tragedy are feeling. By no means am I disregarding the terrible event that took place and the innocent lives that were taken. But, what I am saying is that the statements of faith these individuals took are incredibly honorable, admirable and commendable.

Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jew, Atheist, whatever religion—if put in a situation where you are questioned in what you believe in and it means life or death, what would you say? Would you respond the way these brave and innocent people did? Would you be ready to give an answer that could possibly mean ending your life?

Would you stand up to be shot down?