It seems to me that we are on a perpetual “breaking news” cycle of the latest tragic events in the world. We thrive on the negative it seems. We get so immersed in the 24 hour coverage of tragic events it is a wonder we can function going about our lives as normal. Unfortunately, some function very badly as evident in the events of this last week. What is this world coming too? What other tragic events are coming to the breaking news headlines? What is the answer? “GDLW” means Go and Do Likewise”. Remember the bracelet so popular for years that simply says WWJD. Well, this message is similar. In Colossians 1:6, the message has not changed for thousands of years. We choose to ignore the peace given to us through the Holy Spirit that dwells deep inside us all. Why do we choose to ignore guidance from the Holy Spirit and go on our own? The violence in Dallas this last week resulted from one person’s rage with his perceptions of injustice. Does two wrongs make a right? I do not perceive to know and understand the tragic events that took the lives of people. The constant barrage seen with the 24 hour coverage of these events surely has not helped to calm angry people. I choose not to judge one way or the other on just exactly what happened but recognize that it was tragic. Families on both sides of these tragic acts of violence are all victims. Why do some people personalize an event seen on TV to create another tragic event? I remember watching my father get so upset watching the TV and back then was not even 24 hour coverage. I find myself getting angry but do we do likewise according to the violence shown on TV or do we do likewise according to the message of hope found in the gospel? In Luke 10, Jesus is explaining in the form of a parable who is our neighbor. The priest judged the victim as unworthy to even assist in any small manner of humanity. Likewise, the Levite stuck his nose up to pass by the victim. But the Samaritan who is perceived unworthy by most in those days, chose to act with compassion. Regardless whether we encounter black, white or any other color individual, do we act with contempt or with compassion? Jesus said to Go and Do Likewise to the acts of compassion. May we take his advice and do likewise? May we all pray for peace to a much higher power than us mere humans. Listen to my brief sound bite below if you have time. Peace be with us all.
T