Events in our area lately have left me shaking my head and wondering what on earth is going on in the world.
If you follow me on Facebook you have no doubt seen the many articles and news pieces I have posted over the past week and a half relating to a manhunt that closed down nearby Pisgah National Forest. It was one of those unbelievable events that captured my attention and kept it. I found myself wondering what the heck was going on.
So many people were involved in the manhunt. Many lives were affected as businesses closed down due to limited access and police and other service personal worked tirelessly to find the man that managed to elude them for days.
And then a man and his truck went missing. The search intensified. I read the reports and prayed for his safe return. I prayed for his family and for those searching.
I am not a news reporter and there were so many reports with differing information as the story unfolded that it was difficult to know which reports were accurate but the sad news was finally reported that the body of Thomas Bryson was found in a corn field. Dead at the hands of a man who has a long list of crimes linked to his name.
From all reports Mr. Bryson was a humble and quiet man. His family has found that their faith in God is what is getting them through. They probably will never know why their husband and father and loved one had to die at the age of 68 but they are strong in their faith.
Probably what amazes me most is that in several interviews I have seen with his sons and wife they have expressed forgiveness to the killer. Yes. Forgiveness.
I know as a Christian that is what I need to model but if this was one of my loved ones I honestly do not know if forgiveness would come so quickly for me.
The man responsible for the crime and several others who reportedly helped him in some way are all behind bars now with many charges filed against them.
Prayer vigils and memorial events are being planned for Mr. Bryson. A memorial service will be held this weekend. People, like me, who did not even know him will attend to honor a man that was loved by many.
A life has ended and my prayer is that in some way good can come out of it.
Hug your loved ones a bit tighter today and make sure today to tell someone that you love them. Life is short.
11 Comments
Leave a commentA very sad end to this story. Prayers going out to his family. We will never understand the evil in this world.
You are correct, Darlene. It is a side of the world that creeps in and out and is very difficult to understand how anyone can think that taking a life is acceptable. Thanks for your prayers for his family.
Thank you for all your “shares” about this story. You made it something I cared about- instead of just another horrible thing far away from me. Yes, we will pray for the family, and give thanks for a life well-lived and as I write these words, my heart also says we need to pray for the killer, that he accepts Christ’s salvation before he is truly lost
Yes. You are exactly right in saying we need to pray for the man behind this crime. I doubt that he has heard much about Christ during his lifetime and it is truly our task to pray for ALL people, not just the ones who are easy to love.
So so sad.
Yes. There really are no words.
I saw a few snippets of this on your social media but decided not to look too closely… I’m sorry to hear that someone had to die before they found the criminals. So sad.
I totally understand why you chose not to read much further. It has been a very difficult thing to follow and my heart is breaking for this family.
Like you, I know we are called to forgiveness but I can’t even imagine being able to forgive such a heinous thing. I admire his family for the strength and faith they are demonstrating. It seems like evil is just ramping up lately, doesn’t it? I live in a pretty rural area, which used to be fairly calm and unaffected by serious crime, but violence is raising its ugly, evil head and we’ve had a few murders. It shows me that we need to be in fervent prayer for the lost.
Metro Minnesota went through a similar situation this week with a killer on the loose and a manhunt underway.
I would struggle with forgiveness in a situation like this if it was my loved one. I have a dear friend whose father was murdered. I have witnessed her emotional turmoil. None of this is easy. Ever.
No. I can not even begin to imagine . My emotions would be all over the place as well. I am sorry that there is a similar thing going on in Minnesota.