Yesterday was another day of horror for our children and parents of those affected by another school shooting. News reports indicate that ten people are reported dead and 10 wounded at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those directly and indirectly affected by this senseless act committed by a wounded soul. Let's stop making this an opportunity to further cause harm by turning it into a political statement for or against gun control, and instead honor the lives of the dead.
One small and seemingly insignificant way law enforcement honors the fallen is by wearing a small black band over their badges. It's kind of like flying the flag at half-mast. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see the responding officer has his black band covering his badge worn on his belt. This officer, whoever he is, took the time to focus on what is REALLY the issue here: To honor those who lost their lives at the hands of another. There is no mandate that orders an officer to do this small gesture of love and appreciation. He did it on his own, for his own reasons. He may be a family member of one of the wounded, he may be a father concerned for his own children's safety, he may be one of the first responders who had to walk into the middle of danger, fearless and determined to save as many lives as he can. He also is impacted by what has taken place, and to law enforcement, a sense of failure in their capacity to protect others is felt far and wide.
Today, Encouragers prays for all those families, friends, faculty, and neighbors of the fallen, and also we pray for the warriors who have to respond in "the line of duty" who also honor and protect those they serve.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV)