Congratulations to all who are celebrating the wonderful joys of all that the month of June brings with its many festivities taking place.
June is also Gun Violence Awareness Month. Our daily and weekly dose of the news headlines of mass shootings reflect an epidemic with the unprecedented volume of that’s impacting the entire country. The spread of gun violence has no limits on ethnicity, region, culture, age or gender.
Some startling statistics, as of this writing, we are in the sixth month and about 160 days into the year with more 279 mass shootings. On a daily basis, that is way more than anyone could have ever imagined and at this rate, we would expect to experience another 190 mass shootings by the 279th day (October 6th) of this year and an unbelievable total of approximately 635 for the entire 2023 year.
The startling statistics show more than 18,000 deaths and over 15,000 injuries resulting from gun violence, so far this year. If the projections follow the current trend, these numbers will more than double for the year.
There has to be a solution to this gun violence epidemic in our country.
Many who never dreamed of having to deal with the issue of gun violence have been tragically and traumatically surprised when they were impacted. In reality, we have all been traumatized by the news and seeing the sadness that makes our hearts ache with this pain that is being perpetuated throughout our nation.
So, what about the children? The children preparing for summer break and family festivities should not have to worry about being a victim themselves or having the experience in sharing a memory because of the loss of a family member or friend.
How much more can be done or is this just what the way of life for the future? There is an answer and it will come when all of God’s people realize that we all can be a part in the solutions.
Would it be helpful to teach conflict resolution or some basic biblical principles like LOVE? We may not have all of the answers in our limited resources. However, we do have access to the Holy One, the greatest resource available to humankind.
On this Sunday, our message “Let’s GO!” is taken from Paul’s encouragement in 2 Corinthians 13 and living our faith along with Matthew 28. The words from Jesus in the Matthew text are equally applicable today as they were when originally spoken… So ready, set, “Let’s GO!”
See you in worship.