HOW CAN WE HELP?
Upon encountering any tragic situation, these are quite often the first words out of our mouth, “How can we help”. This response is usually because of our feelings of helplessness and knowledge that at that moment there is most likely nothing we can do that can make the situation any better. The person to whom we are posing the question rarely has any answer for us as they too are in the midst of emotions and concerns for which there is no remedy.
Though well intentioned, we may offer the standard phrase, “You are in our thoughts and prayers”. Not to dismiss the power of prayer, yet perhaps we are trying to get off the hook of taking on a difficult response that in the days and weeks ahead may really begin to make a difference.
Walking to church after the recent gun violence events, I found myself questioning my response and the response of the church. Are we so desensitized to these events that we really believe we are at the mercy of others? Perhaps it is time to become more active in our family, our community and our nation in speaking out, wisely casting our ballots, seeking out the disenfranchised and marginalized in our community to bring a sense of belonging and acceptance. WE CAN HELP, by actively seeking responses that have the potential to bring healing to the hurt that is so prevalent.
Rev. Dr. Fred Leasure