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February 17, 2008

Special Message

February 15, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

The unthinkable has happened again, and this time close to home. More young people have lost their lives in a senseless, random act of violence. I am sad, dejected, and angry (and not necessarily in that order). When something like this happens, I need to hug and grab hold of those people in my life that I hold dear. Incidents like this also make me question whether or not the reasons I am separated from loved ones really matter. Is today the day to pick up the phone and make that call of reconciliation?

As the radio talk show hosts have so wisely expressed, this is not the time to debate the reasons why or to address the problems in our society that permit this type of thing to happen. That time will come and it needs to come.

Today, tomorrow and the next day let us pray:
For the people who were killed or injured and their families including
Daniel Parmenter, 20 of Westchester
Catalina Garcia, 20, of Cicero
Ryanne Mace, 19, of Carpentersville
Julianna Gehant, 32, of Meridan

For the lost gunman and his family, Steven Kazmierczak, 27;
For the persons who witnessed this horrific event and their families;
For the Northern Illinois University community and the DeKalb community;
For other colleges or schools who have experienced a similar event as this will bring their experiences and emotions back to the surface;
For victims of random violence across this country and around the world;
For those struggling with loss and grief;
For a just peace—that permeates all religions, countries, clans and cultures and every form of life.

In closing, the Psalmists have the ability to express in words what the heart is feeling…Psalm 27

Verses 7 -14:
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me,
And they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Wait for the Lord!

Trusting in God through this difficult time, I am with you,
Pastor Vickie

Posted by vickie at February 17, 2008 08:51 PM