Prayers for Today - We Shall Not Forget!

My Thoughts on Parkland

A broken record
Nails on a chalkboard
Incessant and loud gum chewing
Snoring
A 3 year old’s insistent “mine, why? I want it!”
Shootings, death, MURDER!
Pain coursing through my veins as I wonder, “why, God, why?”
 
Excuses, excuses and more excuses
It’s not my fault, blame the NRA
It’s not our fault, blame the government
Pass more laws, more stringency
Wait, no, we need to focus on mental health
Anger in my brain, “What next?”
 
Take action!  No – send thoughts and prayers
Take the guns away!  No – don’t take away our rights
When is enough?  Are we really asking that question?
Cry, Scream, Hurt, Cry, Scream, Hurt
“Where will my help come from?”
Tears running down my cheek, “How can I help?”
 
Community, hope, prayer, action – SOMETHING!
 
Sanctuary

Sanctuary, home, dwelling, safe…
B’makom, Bayit, dirah, batuach…
Camp, Temple, School…
Machaneh, Beit K’nesset, Beit Sefer…
 
I wake up, take a deep breath and get ready.
I eat breakfast, drink my coffee and leave my home.
My day goes on and on and on…sometimes it seems monotonous.
 
I take a break, take a breath and imagine.
What will today bring me?
My mind wanders and wanders…
 
The day comes to an end.
I kiss my family.  I hug my children and my wife.
My home is where they are…no matter where they may be.
 
I think of those who now may not have that same peace.
Perhaps the pain will dissipate over time, perhaps not.
We are in this together – we stand strong together.
 
Baruch Atah Adonai mi Sh’magein aleinu.
Blessed are You, Adonai, the One who shields us.
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