We all grieve that a young man died and another’s has been forever alterted. There is no happy ending here. Two mothers grieve. Two families have lost.

And yet there are those who refuse to let them grieve in peace. The press predicted violence and has cameras and recorders at the ready for any hint of unrest. They thrive on it – manipulate it – because it sells and gets ratings. So many of us fall into their cess pool – and when we do we come out stinking like them. If we don’t pay attention, if we don’t react maybe they will quit stirring and inciting.

Where are the peacemakers?

We are not savages and I refuse to be turned into one. Violence will not bring Trayvon Martin back. Our lives have been altered, for sure, but why compound the pain? Why not honor his life instead of destruction? Buy Skittles and hand them out to the children in your neighbrhood. Start a scholarship for young men – black or white or hispanic. That raises a question: why is George Zimmerman not considered a person of color? Do not Hispanics riase the issue of discrimmination against them because of their color?

So… you have one race calling another race “racist”. While the third race eggs it on. It is crazy. It’s infamatory.  I am sorry, the word and accusation of “racism” is bandied about too quickly.  Stop it already!

If you think laws should change, go work towards that. Be constructive. We are a nation of laws. We have a justice system, flawed though it be. If you don’t like it get busy and help change it. We have the privilege of voting in this country.

This is from A New Zealand Prayer Book:

Lord, it is night.

The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.  

It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done; let it be.  

The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.

The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilites.

In your name we pray. Amen.