In December 2017, a member of my family was the victim of gun violence. As per statistics, someone he knew was the perpetrator. We have no shortage of conversation about gun rights, lobbyists, amendments issues and the like. Gun control is a divisive issue. It can be political and often self-serving. Yet, we have evidence that responsible action can happen at the policy level.
Gun violence can be a matter of the heart. When people feel unwelcome, devalued or mistreated, they might be open to assaulting others. In our communities, we must open our doors and our hearts to opportunities for peace. It is not enough to love our neighbor as ourselves. We must model that love in showing mercy and loving-kindness.
My prayer is that there is a turnaround of our culture and church community and that we realize all lives matter. The power of love within is greater than all the chaos in the cosmos.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Freddie Jordan.
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