Dearest Community,
I was going to write a very different weekly article, until I heard the news on Tuesday about what happened in Uvalde, Texas. And then the Blaine School District went on a very long lockdown on Wednesday. This is one of those times when my heart is broken and I’m speechless to say anything, yet feel compelled to say something, but what I really want is action and change. So here goes.
First, this is not God’s desire for us, nor is this part of God’s plan for us. I believe that God is present with the families and school staff and community, grieving and heart broken, too. These children and teachers were part of God’s Plan A, as it were. There is no Plan B. As much devastation as we are feeling, God is feeling that, too.
I also want to commend our local communities and school districts for their work in trying to keep something like this from happening. In many ways, it is unfair that the burden falls upon our school districts and local law enforcement/emergency personnel. Yet, they continue to try to keep an eye on what is happening while working on prevention (from anti-bullying training, mental and behavior health interventions, school safety plans, etc.).
Because many of us work with children, I want to provide two resources (links below). The first is from PBS “Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories” by Eric Rasmussen, May 1, 2018. This article offers three pieces of advice for parents: Listen and Clarify what they already know; Look for the Helpers (and be willing to take action yourself); and Reassure. It’s good information and a quick read.
The second is an article that just came in an email from Faith+Lead from Luther Seminary titled “Art Circles: Helping youth express themselves after trauma” by Howie Dotson, May 17, 2022. While Dotson, also gives some key points regarding acute intervention steps (from Westbridge: westbridge.org), I found his broad overview of working with little “Picassos” from Syria and Ukraine hopeful.
One of the points that Rasmussen makes is that we all feel more comfortable when we take action. In many ways action is the difference between empathy and compassion. Checking in with a teacher, writing to a legislative representative, etc. are all ways that we can act out our prayers, or as Dotson writes:
[My] pastor … would use this metaphor for our Christian witness in the world: “Jesus with skin on”.
Finally, I give you a gentle reminder that sometimes it is better to read about the news, or hear it, rather than see the images. If you are getting overwhelmed, it’s ok to turn it off. We believe in Presence that already knows our heart’s deepest longings, and longs for the best for all of us.
Blessings to each of you,
Rev. Joel
P.S. I would hope that lighting candles and saying prayers (while very appropriate) also give us the courage to take action.
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A Prayer for Uvalde:
I must say that it saddens my heart to once again offer prayers for a mass shooting at a school.
Ever Compassionate One, how we recognize that the small town of Uvalde needs your
compassionate presence at this time. The parents who are not dropping off their children today,
need your compassionate grace as they mourn. The town needs your grace as they mourn
together. In their mourning together may they be reminded of your loving presence, may we be
reminded of the ways you are already present with them, and with us. For those in our country
(and around the world) who are reminded of how their lives have been affected in similar ways,
may they also feel your loving presence. And may we, as a country, move to create a more just
society in which all receive the resources they need to live full lives. May we follow you, not just
in thoughts and prayers, but in actions based upon compassion for one another.
Ever Compassionate One, in your overflowing and abounding love, we pray.
And in your overflowing and abounding love, answer.
Amen.
______(\____________/)______
The art for the thumbnail and this post is from Rev. Joel’s Instagram feed: Rev.Joel’s_art. Feel free to give the feed a like and a follow.
Joel is currently using the Moleskin Art Collection Sketchbook and the Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketcher’s Pocket Box set with the Pentel Water Brush. Joel is also using an Extra Fine nibbed fountain pen (a Wing Sung 698) with deArtimentis ink.
If you’d like to see the go-to art supplies Rev. Joel is using as he started his second sketchbook of 2021, check this link: Current Art Supplies (7 Aug 2021).
If you’d like to see what Rev. Joel started the year using for art supplies, check this link Collection of Art Supplies at the Beginning of the Year (2021).
The above links are affiliate links (manly through Blick Art Materials) for your convenience. If you were to purchase something by following the links, we would get a small commission at no extra expense to you. Thank you for the support.