It was a title we didn’t want.

But also one we didn’t want to give up.

Just a little more than 15 months ago, Orlando—my hometown and home to “the happiest place on earth”—also became known as the place where the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history took place. The attack at the Pulse nightclub sent shock waves around the world and our city will never be the same.

Last night (on Oct. 1, 2017), Las Vegas—another internationally popular vacation and convention destination—took that title from Orlando. If only we could have kept it.

My heart aches for those thousands of innocent people who were simply enjoying a Sunday evening concert when the unthinkable happened.

I have prayed and will continue to pray for …

the victims and their loved ones,

the police and medical first responders,

the trauma teams at the medical centers who are caring for the victims,

the investigators who must now try to figure out the motive and method behind this monstrous deed,

the officials who will lead the Las Vegas community and our country through this time of shock and into one of healing,

the family of the perpetrator,

and yes, the perpetrator himself.

As I pray, I take comfort in the knowledge that good will triumph over evil, and I trust God to bring good from this tragedy.

Jacquelyn Lynn
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