The news today is heartbreaking.
I am heartbroken.
And for as sad and angry and despairing as I feel, I can’t imagine what it must be like for my African-American sisters and brothers. Nine people killed as they gathered for prayer at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina and we still refuse to have thoughtful and meaningful conversations about race and guns and violence in our country.
On one hand what can one say in the face of such violence and hatred.
On the other hand those of us who are trying to find a way forward…
Find some way forward…
Need to find the words and the courage to say, even shout, enough is enough.

As I went for a walk this morning to think and to pray, I found myself remembering these words from of William Stringfellow which I will use as we begin our worship this Sunday. Maybe they will help me find a better way to live tomorrow than I have done today.

In the face of death, live humanly.
In the middle of chaos, celebrate the Word.
Amidst Babel, speak the truth.
Confront the noise and verbiage and falsehood of death with the truth and potency and efficacy of the Word of God. Know the Word, teach the Word, nurture the Word, preach the Word, define the Word, incarnate the Word, do the Word, live the Word. And more than that, in the Word of God, expose death and all death’s works and wiles, rebuke lies, cast out demons, exorcise, cleanse the possessed, raise those who are dead in mind and conscience.