The Flame Within

“When Life Shakes Us, God Holds Us”

This week something I never expected happened — I was attacked by a homeless man who clocked me hard upside the head. I walked away with a concussion, whiplash, emotionally shaken-up. I’ve been dizzy, I have headaches, my neck hurts, and I’ve been resined to sitting in the dark, with ice on my head. Not exactly the way you want vacation to come to a close. I’m working through the physical recovery and the trauma that came with that sudden, senseless violence.

I can’t understand why a stranger would single me out of a crowd and charge on me and wack me upside the head. I’ve tried to make sense of the needless attack; But I’ve continually resigned to sometimes life doesn’t make sense. I do feel it was a spiritual attack intended to steel joy, make me fearful, and keep me from writing all God’s placed on my heart.

In the same way, I can’t understand why a deranged man would assassinate another human being, simply because he had different beliefs. How he would come to the conclusion that this was the “right” and necessary decision. It doesn’t make sense—- Because it’s evil and evil never makes sense.

The assault hit me in the middle of a season when our nation is already reeling — after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and in the midst of so much unrest. It’s become painfully clear how quickly life can change, how fast something precious can be taken from us. The news of his death has rippled through so many communities and hearts. The news is literally all over th globe.

In the midst of my suffering and chaos that seems to be making its mark on our communities—here’s what I’m holding on to: God is present in the trials. He is not absent in the darkness. Even when something ugly tries to steal our peace, God can use it for a bigger good — to deepen our dependence on Him, to awaken our gratitude for what still remains, and to remind us how fragile and precious life is.

So while I’m healing — while the dizziness and pain are real — I refuse to let this make me a victim. I refuse to let a spirit of fear take root in my heart. I will stand courageous, not because I’m unafraid, but because I know the Lord walks with me and He will turn sorrow into purpose. I choose gratitude for the mercies that could’ve been far worse. I choose to let this season refine my faith rather than define my fear.

If you’re reading this and feeling shaken by the chaos around us — hold on. Pray. Love your people fiercely. Be careful, but don’t let terror win. Let your courage be louder than your fear.

Please pray for my head to heal quickly, flying with a concussion is new territory. Pray my trauma passes through and doesn’t leave a lingering impact. Pray they catch thr man who attacked me and he is punished for his senseless violence. Thank you!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Blessings, Crystal