Mercy for the Arsonist

OK, so by now most everyone knows that Gallery Furniture suffered a massive fire last week. As I was driving home from the hospital visiting my sister and new nephew, I drove by the fire. Initially, I remember thinking, man, this is going to take forever to get home. Then, as I passed it, I was heart broken.

1. I was so angry with myself that my concern was on my drive home and not on the people affected by the fire. How dare I be so selfish.

Remember, when stuck in traffic because of an accident, use that time to pray for any involved. Even without injuries, it's stressful.

2. It was saddening to see that fire and not know if anyone was injured or what was left. Fires are just devastating. I'm sure Mack has a great insurance policy, but what about the work and effort he and so many others put into that place. What about pictures or memories destroyed. And all the frustration and hassle of dealing with insurance and everything else!

3. I don't know if everyone knows just how much he does for the community. He and his family definitely know what "Blessed to be a Blessing" truly means. It just saddened me to know the suffering and hurt he and his family must be feeling.

Since the fire, Mr. Mack, aka Jim McIngvale, has thanked the fire fighters for their work and has maintained positive about the future. What an inspiration to us all. He must be devastated and grieving on the inside, but knows that there is hope beyond the fire. He knows that life is more than furniture (or prize-winning bulls).

So to see that someone could intentionally set the fire, is saddening in itself. Let's remember to pray for the McIngvale family. They need peace, comfort, and most of all the ability to give mercy to the arson. That's the hardest thing. Of course we want judgment for whoever set the fire, but the Bible requires we give mercy.

So I pray that on the McIngvale family. I pray the arson be found and law bring them to justice. But at the same time, I pray that I, the McIngvale family, and the Gallery Furniture family show mercy and forgiveness. That they not hold the grudge in their heart, for that only bears bitterness and resentment.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy

We all need mercy. We have sinned against our Father in Heaven, and He has shown us the ultimate mercy, so now, we must be merciful as well. Mercy and forgiveness free us of anger and hurt. And honestly, that sounds pretty good to me.

I know that Mack's example in the community will overshadow this suffering and hard time. In reality, I truly believe this is a great way for God's glory to shine! With gallery Furniture being such a landmark in Houston, and Mattress Mack being who he is in the community, it's a perfect way for God to shine. I can't wait to see how it works!