WHAT TRAGEDY IS ASKING ME

(Written after yet another school shooting)

Each morning after I awake
and greet the early dawn,
I make a cup of coffee
then turn my laptop on
and wonder if my heart will break
with news of more lives gone.

Each tragedy is asking me
to bravely choose love’s cross,
to see where God is leading
amid this grief and loss.
Give me the courage, God, to be
a servant of your cause.

So I will let a candle burn
and weep with those who weep.
I’ll yearn for God’s direction
as a vigil I will keep.
God, show me ways to grow and learn,
to find your peace so deep.

Then give me wisdom, God, to say
the words that must be said.
That I may bravely take a stand–
release my fear and dread;
reveal what I can do today
so fewer tears are shed.

Give me the faith to kindly give,
to share more than my share,
forgive the ones who hurt me,
and then God, may I dare
to live as you would have me live
with love, and grace, and care.

Give me the strength to advocate,
assist the ones long scorned,
to hate only what you would hate,
and as we rage and mourn,
to find a way to legislate
so fewer griefs are borne.

What good may come from tragedy?
What answers might be found?
Can we learn to work together
and choose to be love-bound?
Can we become the remedy
and hate-filled guns put down?

A new hope rises deep within,
the dawn will come to be.
Begin your work within our hearts,
God–show us what you see.
Bring us together; make us kin
who live in unity.

(Photo by Karen, Valley Park)



My memoir, What Would You Have Me Know? Contemplation and Companionship in a Time of Cancer is now available in paperback. During my time with cancer, I deeply sensed God’s loving presence through my prayerful reflections and the kindness of others. I wrote this book as a gift of gratitude to God and the caring people in my life–but I pray that it may also serve as a source of peace and hope for any reader.