Prayers for violence in Alexandria, VA

A sinking feeling. A sense of anger. Prayers upon prayers.

It seems inconceivable that a shooter would open fire at a baseball practice before the annual Democrat vs. Republican game for charity. But that was the news this morning. A key Republican Senator seriously injured, two Capitol Hill guards shot while returning fire, and a staff member and a lobbyist were also injured. Five hospitalized. Horrible.

I spent a summer in D.C. as one of many unpaid interns for the Senate. I attended a R v. D baseball game. And besides that, sports are, in our country, a gathering that unites us along team loyalties rather than political parties. Pastimes that offer a few hours of relief from the harsh realities in our world.

Leaders on both sides of the aisle are expressing that these injuries are “in the family,” and that “an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”

It’s one thing to disagree about politics – to strongly prefer one ideology over another – maybe even to fear those who disagree. But to turn thoughts or opinions into direct violence towards leaders of our country … there is no excuse.

Profound thanks to those who ensure safety for our Congress – to local, state and federal officers working on the case in Alexandria, Va. Thanks to those who are (more publicly than before) calling for us all to work together as a nation. Prayers for the injured, the traumatized, for every member of Congress and their families, who’s fear has risen to the surface (most of whom have no security that surrounds them). Prayers for all first responders. And yes, prayers for the family of the shooter.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” - Psalm 27:1

Keep praying.

Pastor Kay