Death of Bin Laden

Last night I saw that the president was going to address the nation late on a Sunday night.  That is a strange decision, I thought.  Then the news indicated it is in regards to a national security issue.  Okay, so not about the financial situation or jobs, most likely a war we are in.  The news reporter gave it away for me.  He said "it is something we have been waiting to hear."  Osama Bin Laden was captured or dead, I knew it. 

My husband shook his head when I said that and said I was wrong, and when I called my dad and step mom to see if they knew the president was about to speak, they even brushed me off.  But while I was on the phone they announced it.  Osama Bin Laden is dead.  I am shocked that I didn't wake up the kids with my shout. 

This man was hunted for years.  This man wanted nothing more than to see every American man, woman, and child die a painful death.  This man was the picture of modern evil. 

Am I sad he is dead?  No.

Shortly after the announcement there were status updates galore on my facebook wall about it.  Some were cheering, some were criticizing the president, and a few were saying that it bothers them that we celebrate a man's death and that they pray for his soul.

That got me thinking, which late on a Sunday night is never a good thing.

As a Christian, I should be forgiving and loving, not seeking of revenge.  I get that.  But even Jesus recognizes that laws of man should be upheld and there is a time for war and death and a time for peace.  Therefore as a Christian, while I am not going to be happy that a human has died, I am going to be thankful that a symbol of hate, death, and pain is no longer and that the victims of this man's decisions finally have some justice for the senseless deaths of their loved ones.

As for this man's soul, Osama Bin Laden had deep religious convictions.  Obviously I do not agree with his convictions.  Most of the believers of the religion he claimed did not hold to the same convictions as he did.  Whether or not his soul was "right" with God is between him and God.  I am sure that if he sought forgiveness, then God may have forgiven him (although I doubt he sought it).  Even if he was forgiven, that still doesn't diminish the wordly consequences of his actions. 

Will I pray for his soul?  I believe he made his own choices.  I pray that where ever his soul is now he understands and regrets the pain and suffering he has caused.  I do not believe he could even be in heaven as heaven is the epitome of joy and love.  His entire life was focused on the death and destruction of innocent people, and I cannot comprehend how someone with so much hatred in life could truly be at peace in death.  There are no tears, pain, or regrets in heaven.  If he feels his actions were right, then I pray God used the big switch to knock his ass to hell. 

I WILL pray that our nation uses this news to rejuvenate the spirit that seems to have diminished as we argue over petty party line issues.  I pray that our soldiers will be strengthened by the attainment of the seemingly impossibly task and who's service will no longer be needed sooner rather than later.  I will pray for our leaders, that they can guide us wisely and make the decisions that will keep us and the rest of the world safe from terrorism.  While there will always be senseless violence, I will pray that God will move those who fighting to down their guns and embrace peace. 

I will not pray for Osama Bin Laden.  His judgement day has come and I trust in God to make the best decision on where his soul spends eternity.