When will it stop?

The poignant interview on CNN of the African-American doctor who tried to save the five white police officers murdered in Dallas is indelibly printed in my brain. With tears in his eyes, he said he wished he could have done more or gotten to them sooner. His face was etched with pain and sorrow.

When will the violence that is ripping apart our country end? When will people be able to embrace our common humanity and respect everyone as a child of God? How many more tears will be shed and hearts broken by the death of loved ones? As many religious and political leaders have said, "This has to stop!"

We have more questions than answers. The situation is very complex. Some violence is the result of mental illness that has not been detected or treated. Other kinds of violence are the result of IS radicalization. Another cause stems from veterans returning home with post-traumatic stress and inadequate treatment. Racism and hatred have also caused confrontations. Fear has caused people to buy more guns and to use them indiscriminately.

Our great nation based on Christian principles is capable of creating a just and more peaceful world. We cannot continue to view our society as "us versus them." We are in this as one family with differing views. We can learn to listen and understand one another. We need to love one another. Our children deserve better examples of respect and gratitude. Let us join hands in prayer as we mourn another tragedy and vow to end the violence destroying our country.









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