In Times of Crisis

Hello, friends.

It's happened again.

A mass shooting, this time at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Times of crisis are times to band together. I may not physically be present in Orlando, but my heart is there and my prayers are there. Does anyone know of a way people outside of Florida can band together with those directly affected?

Times of crisis are also times to remember our hope. There's a hymn on the Lutheran Service Book that reminds us of our hope, even in the times that seem hopeless. It goes like this. I can't think of a more appropriate way to end this post. (I skipped the second stanza because it's not as applicable at this moment.)

When aimless violence takes those we love,
When random death strikes childhood's promise down,
When wrenching loss becomes our daily bread,
We know, O God, You leave us not alone.

Our faith may flicker low, and hope grow dim,
Yet You, O God, are with us in our pain;
You grieve with us and for us day by day,
And with us, sharing sorrow, will remain.

Because Your Son knew agony and loss,
Felt desolation, grief and scorn and shame,
We know You will be with us, come what may,
Your loving presence near, always the same.

Through long grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord,
To trust Your grave for courage to endure,
To rest our souls in Your supporting love,
And find our hope within Your mercy sure.