November 20, 2020
Sadly, we are confronted with 2 more homicides this month. Korena Burney’s body was found in a wooden area near Lakeside Dr. and Lakeview Ave. on Nov. 12th by an RTA driver. The 18-year-old had been shot to death. On Nov. 14, Tenisha Burdine, 30, was found shot to death in the 1100 block of Vernon Dr. According to her cousin who found the body, Tenisha was killed by her husband. She leaves behind 3 children who were in the home at the time of the shooting. We pray for Korena and Tenisha. Daily we are confronted with disquieting news: the Coronavirus crisis, deaths of loved ones, political unrest, racism, wars in various regions of our world and the list goes on. Perhaps it is a special gift to be celebrating Thanksgiving Day/Season. We need a little light, a little time to remember the blessings, the surprises, the good being done by caring, loving people. At the end of each day this week, let us remember one blessing that has come our way and give thanks. Scripture: Revelation 21:3-4 I heard a loud voice from the throne cry out: “This is God’s dwelling among men. He shall dwell with them and they shall be his people and he shall be their God who is always with them. He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain for the former world has passed away.” Prayers L: Let us remember the family and loved ones of Korena and Tenisha, especially the children. All: We acknowledge their pain and their deep grief. They are part of our community and they need our love and help towards healing. L: Let us remember the perpetrators, their families and the families of all who commit violent crimes. All: We acknowledge that their lives too are devastated and their hopes dashed. For their sake and for ours we remember that pain goes in many directions from each act of violence. L: Let us remember all who have been harmed by violence and lives lost by COVID-19. All: For their sake and for ours, we commit ourselves to building each other up and to healing together. L: Let us remember all those who work to keep our city safe. All: We acknowledge the need for wisdom and courage in their efforts to fulfill their call of service for the good of all. TOGETHER: We stand up to violence. We stand together expressing our unity, our connection to each other and to the Divine who is our hope for healing and for transformation. Let the Spirit of our Creator move through us to heal our communities. Let us begin by transforming ourselves so that we may be instruments of peace and non-violence. We continue in peace and hope. Amen.