A brief shopping trip with my daughter Victoria was yet another reminder of the horrific Oct. 1 tragedy in Las Vegas.

As we waited at the counter to pay for our purchases, the visibly shaken clerk remained on her cell phone.

“I just found out that my family is OK,” she said when she finished her call. “My son and other family members were in Las Vegas for a wedding, and I’ve been unable to reach them. They’re OK!”

I was instantly connected to this family, and listened as the clerk filled me in on the details.

“I’m so happy for you,” I said.

I walked out of the store thinking of the thousands of people whose lives had been affected by the shooting, and again prayed for the victims and their families.

I also thought of how many times I’ve said that I would pray for something, then forgot about it.

Country music star John Rich was interviewed on television, and his words resonated with me.

“People say ‘our thoughts and prayers…’” Rich said, in reflecting on the massacre. “You actually need to pray. You actually need to speak to the Lord and say, ‘Please bring some comfort to these people.’”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.