Just another day. Another mass shooting. Funerals for young children who left home with homemade sandwiches in their backpacks on their way to school in Uvalde. Another day of partisan hide-’n-seek for who is to blame. Just one more day of jabbering and cross-fire when the NRA sheds tears and offers prayers for the kids and families of Uvalde, and then applaud the former president and Texas senator talking about the need for more good guys with guns to stop the bad guys with guns. Just another day in the land of the free, the home of the bullies.
Just another day 100+ days after mass graves began to be dug in Ukraine for children and parents as innocent as the children mowed down in Uvalde. Another day in far-away Ukraine and close-by in neighbors in Uvalde, Buffalo, Tulsa. Another day when Members of Congress ignore the oath to the Constitution they solemnly swore. Another day when patriotism falls prey to partisan propaganda insisting, though they know better, that “guns don’t kill; people do.” A day like any other when nothing happens to stop the power of the gun lobby, dark money, PACS, and the belief, without evidence, that the election was stolen.
Just another day when the monsters of lies and fear turn us against each other.
Gordon C. Stewart, public theologian, author of Be Still! Departure from Collective Madness (2017 Wipf and Stock), Brooklyn Park, MN, June 5, 2022.
Views from the Edge 
Like you, I’m outraged by the callous acts of violent disregard for the precious gift of human life. Like you, I’m encouraged by William Sloan Coffin to daily thank God for His wonderful gift of life. But, transparently, I’m very aware that there are some days – too many days, actually – when my outraged mind weighs heavily on my thankful heart. Please pray for me, Pastor…okay?
LikeLike
Nate, it’s always a good day when you say hello and share your life. It’s more than “just another day.” As you ask, I will pray for you. Not praying that the outrage will end, but that it not mire you in quicksand of despair, and that your righteous anger remain rooted in your gratitude for life itself. If you’ve not read Bonhoeffer’s Creation and Fall, you might find it meaningful and wise. Be well, friend. Grace and peace, GCS.
LikeLike