The scourge of gun violence continues to haunt us, but from time to time there are small victories, albeit too late for those who were killed. You may remember that five years ago a gunman opened fire at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing 25 persons before killing himself.
While in the Air Force, he was convicted of domestic violence charges, but his name had not been entered into a database that would have prohibited him from buying a gun. A federal judge ordered the Air Force to pay $230 million to the 80+ family members of those killed.
How ironic that these events occurred in Texas, a state that supports the right to carry firearms and has limited gun ownership prohibitions for persons convicted of domestic violence. The time to stop gun violence is before it starts, with stronger prohibitions on gun ownership and an end to our wild west mentality.
Prayer for the Day
God of our wayward hearts, we search for you in comfortable places,
But you do not appear there in spite of our entreaties;
Open to us your voice where we least expect it,
And remove from us the certainty of our answers.
Be with us as we strive to find ways to eradicate gun violence,
Whether it be in our own communities or other places.
In the name of the One who shows us a new way to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Only with gun violence do we say that mourning is acceptable but discussing how to prevent more tragedies is not.
- Ezra Klein, commentator
Force and mind are opposites; morality ends where a gun begins.
- Ayn Rand, American writer (1905-1962)
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge
From their adversaries at your right hand.
Guard me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17: 6-8