Cell Phones Ring In Deadly Silence

An eerie silence prevails in the wee hours of the morning–disturbed only by a medley of ringing cell phones–loved ones trying to check on missing family members or friends who just might be in that previously noisy, crowded Orlando nightclub.

No one answers.

I can imagine, even feel, the fear and terror in the hearts of those callers, crying, begging, “Please, please, please answer your phone.”

My prayers go out to all of those callers–and to everyone else who has a direct connection to the massacre of fifty or more individuals at that Orlando nightclub: families, friends, first responders, emergency workers, hospital employees, and so many more. Those who respond see atrocious images that freeze in their minds and torment them for years. Who can understand this hate? This viciousness? This anger? It is beyond our comprehension. We cannot successfully answer the question, “Why?”

But we all are connected to this tragedy because of revived memories of other terrors in our lives: the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, other deadly rampages by unstable individuals, and personal tragedies of all kinds. Please offer prayers for everyone involved  in this recent attack regardless of age, race, or orientation in religion, politics, or gender identity. This is not a time to judge. This is a time to care.

We don’t understand the motives of the shooter. But America is not about hate. Be strong and stand together against divisiveness of all kinds. Reach out and offer your care and concern for all who suffer.

Pray for God’s peace and comfort in this time of national sorrow. He is there to comfort us through our sorrows.

Evening Prayer 6/12/16 Episcopalians on Facebook