On September 24th, 2012, I heard news that a father in a close by neighborhood had committed suicide after murdering his two sons and wife. Nobody knew why. I didn’t know the Peterson family. I never met Al, Kathie, Christopher, or Matthew. I did know that they went to Floris United Methodist Church. I knew that Matthew went to South Lakes and Christopher went to Rachel Carson. I knew that I’d go to school tomorrow with people that loved them dearly. And I was heartbroken. This tragedy changed me, showing me just how awful sin really is. I wrote this song as a means to honor the Peterson family and communicate how I felt.
It’s been nearly three years and their deaths still shake me. I don’t mean to preach on this particular post, but grant me just one thought. We have grown so accustomed to tragedy. Who’s surprised anymore when the news tells us about another school shooting or mass killing at a movie theatre or a gunman on a military base? Rape, hatred, genocide, natural disasters that kill tens of thousands; these are all commonplace now. I had grown numb to suffering and evil, but this. The Peterson Family’s death managed to get past the walls I had built and the tolerance I had acquired. It absolutely broke my heart. I’ve never forgotten that pain. I don’t want to. My pain reminds me how absolutely f***ed up this world is. How evil sin is. My only hope is Christ.
You are Enough For Me
It’s times like this that I question why.
That you, loving God, let the innocent die.
I’m lost for words, shocked at the news.
Four people dead without many clues.
I wrestle with you God for an answer,
And cry for the boys whose lives were cut short.
I don’t understand this disaster.
Come by here, Lord.
You are good, you are love,
You are enough for me.
I am lost, I am weak,
But still you’re here with me.
I don’t know you’re whole plan,
But I know you’re the Son of Man.
You are enough for me.
Your will is a mystery.
I don’t try to fathom your sovereignty.
But I can’t help but feel that this is wrong.
Please, Lord, explain this. My heart is not strong.
One was a sophomore, one in eighth grade,
A mother and father, I pray that they were saved.
Show us your love in this time of confusion.
Come by us, Lord.
You are good, you are love,
You are enough for me.
I am lost, I am weak,
But still you’re here with me.
I don’t know you’re whole plan,
But I know you’re the Son of Man.
You are enough for me.
I need your wisdom. Guide me today, give me rest.
My heart is broken for a family I’ve never even met.
I pray now for the family of those that were lost,
Bless them and show them your love never stops.
And for the friends of the boys, heal their hearts.
Let them never forget that you are enough.
For Christopher, Matthew, Kathie and Al,
Please bring them home, Lord. Be with them, now.
We love them, we miss them, we mourn and we grieve
And pray to Christ Jesus, whose grace we receive.
I know not their stories, nor if they believed,
But I know they’re loved for all eternity,
By the God of the universe that sent us His Son,
To die on a cross, and give life to any one.
You are good, you are love,
You are enough for me.
I am lost, I am weak,
But still you’re here with me.
I don’t know you’re whole plan,
But I know you’re the Son of Man.
You gave your life, I give you mine.
Please now, God, let your light shine.
You are enough for me.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Published by Patrick Bondurant Quinn
Born 1995 from Fairfax, Virginia. Graduate of Christoper Newport University, Class of 2018. Pursuing a Master of Divinity at RTS, DC. Founder of "Take Note Of This."
View all posts by Patrick Bondurant Quinn
By 
Take Note Of This 