A prayer for our gun-crazed culture

We’ve a Borderline disorder
and it’s killing those we love.
And our gun-crazed culture is the most to blame.
Lord, please help us curb the madness.
This insanity must stop.
Our sorrow’s great, but greater still our shame.

Gun violence is rampant.
Seems mass shootings are the norm.
Somehow, someway reform must be pursued.
Buying weapons should be harder
than the ease with which it is.
Those with mental issues have to be refused.

Oh, dear God, be near the grieving
who cry out to You in pain.
Hold the hurting who, (with breaking hearts) despair.
Comfort moms and dads and siblings
who were robbed of final words.
Through Your Church’s acts of kindness prove You care.
Amen.

Our right to votes unites us as Americans

The United States
are divided states
on each Election Day
as we together choose
who and what
will win and lose.

It’s a day we take sides
agreeing to disagree.
But in the taking of sides,
we stand on the side of Liberty.

Curiously, what divides us
is what unites us.
We may cancel out each other’s vote,
but in so doing we validate a dedicated value
that defines us as Americans.

We are free to vote our conscience and convictions.
With the silent stroke of a pen
of the pull of a lever,
we are free to vocalize our priorities.

Yes, divided loyalties are the privilege of a democracy.
May we never take for granted
the birthright granted us by our forefathers.

The right to vote
and the right to protest
are two rights that make
a wrong future less likely.

Protesting the synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh

In Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
there is no room for hate
when Christians, Jews and Muslims live in peace.
What happened at that synagogue
derails what we stand for.
Somehow, some way this violence must cease.

In Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,
we honor all as friends.
We do not judge another by their race.
We see their faith as deeply held
though we may disagree.
We look for common values to embrace.

In Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
we grieve with those who grieve.
We hold each other’s children in our heart.
We know that dreams for unity
aren’t simply make believe.
They’re realized when we each do our part.

https://www.today.com/news/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-took-place-mr-rogers-real-life-neighborhood-t140791

Lessons from Job when tragedy strikes

Be still and know that they’re in pain.
Don’t try to find some cause or blame.
Just listen to their hurting heart
and be a friend to them.

Be still and know they want your care.
They need your presence more than prayer.
Just knowing you will hear their heart
means all the world to them.

Be still and know you give them hope.
Your quiet presence helps them cope.
You give them strength to carry-on.
You are God’s gift to them.

Mourning the death of Pastor Eugene Peterson

With Bono I am grieving
the death of one so loved.
The author of two dozen books
is now in Heav’n above.

His raspy voice is silent.
His ministry complete.
The bearded pastor has gone home
where we will one day meet.

In vivid words and phrases
our friend Eugene conveyed
the essence of God’s awesome truth
in fresh exciting ways.

His paraphrase of Scripture
is worth a second look.
“The Message” is his legacy.
I hope you have this book.

We will miss you, Eugene Peterson!
Peace to your memory!