I wish this were true.

In light of the recent shooting in my former hometown I'm not so sure. What I do know is that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. It is not something to ignore and hope will go away. I recently read a story of an actress who died of something that could have easily been treated but did not go to the doctor. She reportedly wanted to choose a "natural" way to get better (but also chose to take prescription drugs in some very unsafe ways). She died of a very treatable pneumonia. Just as tragic as someone who will not face mental illness. If someone will take antibiotics for an illness, why not take an antidepressant that will help the brain replenish the missing chemicals....or why not take an antipsychotic to help normalize the brain's chemicals and balance.

I am thankful that mental illness, other than a little depression, does not affect my family. I have friends whose family has been terribly devistated by mental illness in some form.

I am sad for all of Tucson. The city used to be a peace loving city, but we noticed some real changes when we lived there the last two years. Still a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains, with wonderful sunrises and sunsets. Blue skies abound. Drug problems. Immigration issues. Crime. Gangs. People.

Sad.

But not the end of the story is it? God is still on his throne. He still cares about the little sparrow and even little old me. He still works all things for good. I can't explain why Gabrielle Giffords is still alive when she shouldn't be and why a sweet 9 year old straight A student is not. I am glad I'm not in control of this universe. I could not handle it.

Shoot, I can't even balance a checkbook.

As my good friend David Lane once said..."Lisa, either God's in control or He's not...which do you choose to believe?"