Weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
Did you, did you stop what you were doing when you heard the news?
Did you, did you say, “Oh no, not again,” or, did you say a prayer?
Did you pause and think of those who had lost loved ones?
Did you pause and think of the injured and the various types of loss they’re suffering?
Did you . . . what did you do?
How did it touch your heart?
It’s another mass shooting, but it’s so much more.
It’s the loss of life,
the loss of loved ones,
the trail of broken hearts, minds, and bodies
as the illusion of safety is shattered into many pieces
scattered among the broken wounded, mourners.
Lord, have mercy on us all.
And . . . how did it touch your heart?
It’s the hate, inexplicable,
that you try to ignore,
try to explain
where there is no real explanation.
It’s questions and avoidance and anger and fear
rolled together in silent agony of wonder
and, by the way,
How did it touch your heart?
It’s church trying to be normal
when normal is fading;
trying to be relevant without understanding.
And, by the way,
How did it touch your heart?
It’s another killing.
Did you, did you stop and pray?
Did you stop and feel?
Did you stop and ask, “God, what can we do?”
Dear God, what can we do?
Many questions, many fears,
searching for you and . . .
Teach us to love.
Teach us to live.
Teach us pray aright and . . .
How did it touch your heart?
For if it does not touch your heart,
Where is your humanity?
Where is your love?
Dear Lord,
teach us . . . .
