[Oe List ...] Start the conversation

[Sherwood Shankland]

I was just barely aware of the shooting all day...avoiding the news that I
knew I didn't want to hear...then I listened to NPR's somber report on the
Connecticut tragedy while driving home this evening...kind of holding my
breath as the scraps of information drifted by, sort of numb since we just
went through the Theater shooting here in Aurora...and not so long ago
Columbine...not really wanting to hear the news one more time...when I got
inside the house the tears began with a rush and it seemed like they
wouldn't end anytime soon...at last they eased into weariness and Eunice
brought me a cup of tea...I sat by our fire place and Christmas tree for a
long time...holding my granddaughters big stuffed bear...how many of these
tragedies must we endure...even from afar off they are way too close...I
thought of the presents perhaps already under trees in the families homes
that will not generate the smiles they were destined to evoke...and how the
parents will cope with the empty chairs...Oh thou Mysterious Giver of Life
how can you wrench our hearts with such sudden loss? How can we take this
madness that we have created for ourselves? What now must we do to care for
the grief stricken families...what change must we fight for in our own
hearts, our family attitudes, our community patterns and our laws? Help us
to take this deep brokenness into ourselves and feed our resolve for care
and for justice...I pray once again for the Peace of Christmas to become
real and tough and present in my heart and in yours as we await the gift of
new life. God help us all. Surly together we can turn this madness around.
Sherwood at home in Centennial.

-----Original Message-----
From: oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net
[mailto:oe-bounces at lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Lee Early
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2012 2:27 PM
To: Order Ecumenical Community; OE: Dialogue Dialogue
Cc: ICA Dialogue Dialogue
Subject: [Oe List ...] Start the conversation

It is brainstorm time.  What can we do to change the "gun culture" of our
nation?

Nationally, state wide, locally and personally.

The social act of repentance might be a good place to start:

1.  Become aware of injustice
2.  Turn your back on it
3.  Abolish within yourself
4.  Lead society

BUT, this is a brainstorm.  If the above is a helpful start, great.  If not,
feel free to come up with a different framework or, just share some ideas.

The conversation needs to happen now.

Lee

Lee Early
19230 Forest Park Dr. NE, A102
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Home:  			(206) 922-3182
Lee's mobile:		(425) 212-7997

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