“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, ESV).

       Like many of you, I am struggling with the recent events in Uvalde, Texas. There is something about the murders of young innocents that shatters the soul. My response in no way minimizes the deaths of the ten shoppers at a grocery market in Buffalo, New York, and the victims of the shooting rampage at a church in Laguna Woods, California the week before. The lives of all these souls and their families will be changed forever.

       I have heard several public statements lamenting the fact that our nation, once again, will pray for those who have been affected by these tragedies, yet will do nothing more to address the violence that grips our nation. Political pundits and their constituents already are pointing the finger at their rivals, citing reasons as to why the “other side” is to blame.

       However, before questioning the efficacy of prayer or affix responsibility as to why these unthinkable events keep happening, I wish in this moment we might tamp down the rhetoric and kneel down seeking God’s guidance before we do or say anything else. James, Jesus’ brother, encouraged the church to pray for “wisdom from above.” A kind of wisdom that is pure…impartial, and sincere.

       A wisdom that listens openly to a different viewpoint. A wisdom that does not entertain ideals for the sake of self-preservation or refuses to acknowledge culpability. A wisdom that promotes peace, gentleness, and mercy. A wisdom that is open to a change of heart and mind.

       I hear it said that God is no longer speaking to the world as He once did. I believe this to be a lie. God is speaking. I am confident that God still longs to communicate His wisdom. The question is whether we are willing to listen to His reasoning rather than our own.

             Prayer: