I have spent the last hour or so watching the news on the Orlando shooting unfold and it has sickened me.

Frankly, I see a nation trying to hide from the ungodly horror of something like this by politicizing it. The political ramifications of the events are enormous, but there is a time and place for everything.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3 – emphasis added)



What I have seen this morning is a nation of people placing their own agenda in front of the pain of those afflicted by the events. People appear to seek some sort of political catharsis rather than confront the horror and comfort those that have lost.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. (Romans 12:15-16)



I am praying hard this morning. I pray first, foremost and always for those that are suffering. For the dead I ask God’s mercy and blessing. For the wounded I pray for knowledge and ability for the heath care workers and for healing. For the loved ones of the dead and the wounded I pray for comfort. For the first responders and those that follow in their wake I pray for strength. In the weeks that come I will pray for wisdom for our political leadership, both current and contemplated.

For the nation, I pray fervently for our soul.