The sadness, pain, anger outrage, no doubt emotions are running strong and it is important to acknowledge and express truth. Yet, let's us remember a deeper truth of who we are and work towards unity and reconciliation. Violence begets violence, hate begets hate.

It does not have to be this way. Each of us has an obligation to look deeply within. So much suffering, yet we have the unrealized potential to transform this world. Our thoughts are more powerful than we can imagine. We must take care to nourish our minds with Loving thoughts, not fear.  

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

"United we stand, divided we fall"

God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly, thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power.
May we walk gently.
May we speak only after we have listened well.
Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently, aware that you have endowed every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose.
May we regard the world with tenderness.
May we honor rather than destroy.
Lover of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully, willing to laugh and dance and dream, remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come.
May we welcome your abundant love. In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead.
— Vinita Hampton Wright

"One nation under God with liberty and justice for all"

Prayers for peace, unity & reconciliation,

 Liz  

Artist Norman Rockwell