I can still remember the day that the twin towers were attacked. I remember the unfamiliar feeling that my world was not as safe as I’d believed. The shock of it all was tremendous. There wasn’t anything else to compare it to in my lifetime.

I also remember the sense of relief seeing our president at ground zero telling us all that he would make sure our country was safe and secure. He was like a father telling his children “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re protected.” It was probably a mixture of naivety and faith, yet somehow I felt better. Someone understands how wrong this is and is willing to go to great lengths to protect us.

I would watch the news waiting for them to find the monsters that caused this cruel, heartless attack.

So, almost 10 years later, when I heard the news that Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the faction that created immense grief for millions of Americans was killed, my reaction was unexpected.

I felt immense grief, yet again.

Looking back.. my immediate response to my husband, when he told me what had happened, was a cold detached one. I instinctively went to the analytical side of my brain and thought of the political spins that would happen as a result. I didn’t rejoice or even smile at the news. A couple of hours later, I turned my analyzing mind towards the strange response to what should have been “great news”.

It wasn’t until I woke up the next morning, that I realized... I was mourning.

Before you email your congressman that you know a terrorist sympathizer, hear my heart.

I believe what Osama and his followers did was horrific. I also believe that he was a very selfish, evil man that deserves death.

However, another reality also pierced my heart… There are few differences between him and I, yet they are powerful and literally life changing ones.

1. 1.He didn’t believe in “The God” that is the way, the truth and the life.
   

     John 14:6 & Galatians 5:19-21

2. 2.He didn’t repent to the one true God who could forgive him. 1 John 1:7-9 
   

Now let’s talk about our greater similarities.

1.We are both sinful. Romans 3:23 

2.Osama is His creation as am I.  Colossians 1:16

3.Osama was passionate about his beliefs

4.The Savior that died for my sins also died for Osama’s.

1 Corinthians 15:57

I am mourning the death of a life that never realized the love his Savior had to offer. God lost a part of His miraculous creation. The same pain we would feel to be rejected by something we created.

Osama was not a child of God, by his own choice. Yet, it doesn’t change the fact he was God’s creation.

I John 3:10

I have to believe that God was not rejoicing at Osama’s death. I have to believe that the loving God I serve would weep for me in the same way if I hadn’t given my life to Him.

Maybe instead of rejoicing He was mourning the choices that Osama made and never repented for. He lost a part of His creation. I feel compassion for God more than anything. I am mourning for His loss, not really my own.

Even though Osama wasn’t God’s son in terms of accepting Him as Lord and Savior, my human understanding and heart can’t imagine giving life to someone and have them say they never knew me. I doubt God ever gets used to that, no matter how often it’s happened throughout time. Ezekiel 33:11

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the feeling of relief that is felt knowing there is a little less evil in the world. I understand wanting justice for Osama’s evil actions. I understand the need to protect our country from someone who is unrelenting in his hatred and terrorist mindset toward the western world. I am very grateful for the efforts given in finding Osama. Throughout scripture, God ultimately eradicates the unrepentant evil. Yet, He never rejoices in doing so. 2 Thessalonians 1:6

So surprisingly, it’s not as black and white for me as I would have once thought. I still feel sad that God lost another precious soul yesterday. Yes, I said that even Osama’s soul was precious to God.

Osama was simply a vessel for evil to operate through, due to Osama’s choices throughout his life. Unfortunately, evil is still very much alive and well around us, even though Osama’s body is gone. Ephesians 6:12-20

If we believe we are supposed to forgive our enemies, unfortunately that means Osama as well.

Humility, Compassion and God’s love are hard to find where evil lives. I’m hoping in our response to Osama’s death, justified or not, we have those three life giving elements present.

Peace and Love,

Julie