Let us remember we are all part of one American family. We are united in common values, and that includes belief in equality under the law, basic respect for public order, and the right of peaceful protest. Barak Obama
Meditation: Today on President’s day, our current president is golfing at his weekend resort in Florida, while High School students, parents and teachers protest in front of the White House. They demand the change of gun control laws in this country. For a few minutes many of the students laid down on the grass to symbolize the shooting victims in Parkland, Florida last week, and to remind of all the other students who have been gunned down in the recent past. There is a powerful wave of protest energy swiping our country. Have we reached the tipping point? First women and now teens and their families and teachers are protesting those in power who don’t care about the rights of victims, be it sexual abuse or gun violence. Yes, today we stand reminded: “We are all part of one family. And we are united in values, belief in equality, respect for the law and our right to protest peacefully!” May this new wave of protest bring about change. Even if not short-term, then long-term. Come 2020, most of the junior and senior High Schoolers all around the country will be able to vote and join in with many others who protest today…
Prayer: God, You will bring justice. When those who could do something preoccupy themselves with their own pleasures and their own safety, and when others allow to be bought and corrupted while resorting to “fake prayer” – God You see. God You hear. You hear the protest of each High Schooler, each parent and each teacher on behalf of all Americans who care. We pray for change in this country. Amen
How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. Psalm 13: 2-5 (ESV)