Praying for Princeton

“Only the wounded healer can truly heal.” -- Irvin D. Yalom

Compassionate God, descend upon your people of Princeton in our grief. Our hearts break for the woman gunned down outside of Los Aztecas. We mourn her tragic death, and we weep with her family and children. Remind us that nothing -- not even the worst acts of violence -- can separate us from the love of Jesus. Lord, have mercy. 

Prince of Peace, surround the alleged perpetrator and his family with a blanket of mercy. Their lives are also interconnected with ours, and we ask that a web of forgiveness may be woven, strand by strand, when the time is right. Lord, have mercy. 

God of Hope, guide us as the “Why?” of this situation overwhelms us. As we linger with the questions, show us your path of shalom. Remind us how you bore the violence of the world on Calvary so that we might become a new community of peace. Christ, have mercy. 

Risen Lord, reveal to us your scarred hands. Touch the violent places in our lives with your grace. In the midst of our scars, may we bind up the pain of our community. Grant us the wisdom to see that only the wounded healer can truly heal. Guide us on the path of hope. Lord, have mercy. Amen. 

You Are A Promise

“You are a promise; you are a possibility. You are a promise with a capital ‘P.’ You are a great big bundle of potentiality. And if you listen, you’ll hear God’s voice. And if you’re trying, [God] will help you make the right choices. You’re promise to be -- anything [God] wants you to be!”                                     

 -- “I am a Promise” by the Bill Gaither Trio

“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.”                       

-- Psalm 139:13-14

My sweetest niece Hadley, 

We were thrilled to meet you last week! Being an aunt and uncle is the best gig in the world. We get all the fun of spoiling you without the full responsibility. I could snuggle you all day long and marvel at the miracle of life that brought you to us.  You came with your own unique characteristics -- an extra long thumbnail, a voracious appetite, strong arms (ready to throw for corn hole), and glorious chubby cheeks. You’re a wonderful gift we unwrap each day as we get to know your personality, your preferences, and your delights. 

I pray all babies in this world would be as welcomed and beloved. That each child might be cradled and nurtured and given the opportunities you will have to learn and grow. You’re a great big bundle of potentiality wrapped in a blanket dotted with pink hearts.  Our tender hearts hope you’ll become anything and everything God wants you to be. We will do our best to help you listen to God’s voice. We’ll love you even when you make the wrong choices. We’ll always be there, urging you as you crawl, catching you as you toddle, and encouraging you as you drive away from home someday. 

I also hope this world will become more welcoming and loving because of babies like you. Perhaps your generation will help us eliminate poverty and provide equal opportunities in education and jobs. Maybe you all will find a cure for AIDS and cancer. You could turn us to nonviolent ways of solving our conflicts. Or you might swing wide the doors of our hearts so people can love whom they love, regardless of gender or race or religion or class. There is so much possibility in you just waiting to unfold. 

You are a promise, my dear niece. 

Love you with all my heart, 

Aunt Lisa