Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Dearest God,

Why does the rain come as a thirst quencher for some and tragedy for others?  Why do some people have to face unbearable pain while others seem to scoot through life so easily?  Why do some have eyes for heaven and others are blind to the sacred?

As I listen to the stories of those who faced the monstrous tornado in Oklahoma, I ask myself these questions.  I think of parents waiting to hear if their children survived the storm when their school was flattened upon them.  As I watch the story of the teen who was wooed by an internet predator who later killed her, I wonder why.  When I reflect upon daily life for those impacted by war, poverty, and injustice, I can't help but ask why the inequity.

Although it is difficult to come up with answers to these painful queries, one thing I do know for sure.  You hold the questions.  You hear the cry.  You love in the midst of every situation.    You urge us to help one another in any way we can.  You reveal yourself through compassionate people who hear and act upon your call.

Attune our ears
to you,
Almighty God;
be the word
of hope
to the suffering.
Teach us
to draw near,
to listen
to your word
so we
may be
that word
to another.
Show us
the way
of compassion
and mercy.
Use us
to care
for our neighbor
at home
and far away,
I pray.

Love, Andrea