A puddle of blood...

In the past month, there has been more violence than in previous months. So, this morning I went prayer walking in order to make a statement to the devil that this neighborhood is not his neighborhood. I walked with purpose as I imagined my feet bringing light and pushing away the darkness with every step. I imagined the blood of JESUS being applied with every step. At that moment I saw a puddle of blood on the sidewalk. It felt like a punch in the stomach. I heard 5 gun shots last night, but I didn't know if they were in the air or at a person. I immediately tried to find someone who knew what had happened. I asked one of the guys we serve lunch to. He said that someone shot a puppy. I was glad that it wasn't a human being, but my heart still broke. Because behind that puppy getting shot, is a lot of pain, anger, evil and the spirit of violence. I talked to some other guys because I just wanted to know why someone would do that. This is what they said, "Stupidity. When they get drunk they do stupid things. They wanted to take something out on someone, so they chose the dog. " Also, I asked them why things have been so violent lately. They said, "You would think it would be worse in the summer, but it's the other way around. It's a war zone over here (on this side of John DeShields). When it starts getting cold, there is less business for selling drugs. So guys fight over corners to sell on. Guys end up piling up on one corner because they all want to make money. Then they start getting violent with each other and those around them. They get angry and take it out on others." It all started to make more sense to me. Unless the people here tell me, God reveals it to me or I see it with my own eyes, I don't know things like what they shared with me. It was an eye opening moment. I left that conversation and just ached inside. I almost let sorrow overtake me, but realized that would not make me dangerous to the devil. So, I continued walking and praying, knowing that each time I put my foot on these streets and sidewalks is making a difference, even if I don't see it every day. I have the light of Jesus, and His blood running through my veins and each step will push out the darkness.