However, the recent tragedies in our nation have been absolutely heartbreaking . . . and so close to home. When I woke up to the news Friday morning that five Dallas police officers had been shot and killed (and several more injured), I was unable to stop the tears. Later that afternoon, as I drove through Dallas on my way out of town, the traffic signs that normally tell how long it will take to get to the next major intersections all read "Downtown Area Closed Due To Police Activity" and all the flags along the highway were at half-mast. And I cried again . . . for the senseless killings, for the families whose lives are forever changed, for the unrest that is enveloping our nation, for the racism that is dividing us, for the fear and anger that is everywhere.
The Dallas Chief of Police was interviewed on CNN Sunday morning. I can't imagine what he is going through, but I have been totally impressed with his professionalism, his ability to stay focused on the issues and not be drawn into the debates about racism and gun control, his profession of faith, and his desire to serve. (You can watch his interview HERE and HERE.)
Honestly, I don't know what to do to be of help . . . except to pray and share the love of Jesus with others. I spent all day Saturday teaching illustrated Bible journaling in Corsicana, enjoying my time with other women who love the Lord and want to draw closer to Him. That afternoon, several of the local residents left class for an hour to help line the streets of that small town (with temperatures over 90 degrees) as they brought the body of one of the fallen police officers back to his hometown. A simple way to show their support and appreciation for the men and women who serve and give their lives to protect us.
I don't have any pretty pictures or crafty projects or answers here on my blog today, just sharing that my heart is broken for our nation.
God, Bless the USA!
Yes these are very difficult days to know what to do. So many angry people. I think one of the ways to help is to talk about this, not let it become just another news story. Not sure of the actual Bible verse & I am paraphrasing, but it does say prayer without action is wasted effort. My ladies group is having an open discussion about what is happening in the division of race, creed & colour - I think it will be a difficult meeting.
ReplyDeleteOur world is so angry, it's a scary place
ReplyDeleteI'm praying especially for those who are angry and bitter, that they would come to know Christ. Being with other Christians is a good thing, but reaching out to those who are hurting is even more important I think
ReplyDeleteThinking of,you all - we need empathy, compassion and the ability to listen to each other more than ever, I think.
ReplyDeletei have been following the events in the news, the world is a scary place at the moment.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to know how to respond to this awful violence, not only here in the United States but around the world. Every day seems to bring another tragic story of revenge and anger. It's a frightening world right now. We were away from watching the news for several days as neither of my children allow the news to be on when their young children are around. I totally agree with that, but what a sad commentary it is on the world.
ReplyDeleteI also don't watch the news as I find I internalize too much and it depresses me - there is so little GOOD that is reported. I get my "news" delivered to my email daily (weekdays only) via The Skimm http://www.theskimm.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded&gclid=CLXlsZm68c0CFYIfhgodjTsOtw which is just enough to keep me informed. The whole Dallas thing made me so angry and sad. Hate only begets more hate. I want to live in a world where LOVE gets top billing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a scary time. We need less protesting and more praying. Chief Brown is right - getting involved in a personal way whould be our default response.
ReplyDeleteI certainly do not know the answer either. But one thing I know for sure---you cannot pick and choose which life you will respect. ALL life needs to be respected---including the unborn! As you and so many others are saying, ALL lives matter.
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