Ferguson Missouri; My Humble Opinion And Prayer

I live about 130 miles south of Ferguson so I offer this disclaimer; I am not in the middle of this only watching from afar. I also want to point out to anyone who may happen upon this that I am white and don't know first hand what it is like to be black. I talked to someone who has a tumbler account recently and she said everything she is seeing regarding Ferguson makes it sound like the police are bullying a bunch of peaceful protesters. Though there has been a lot of overreaction on the part of the police in the area; that is not he whole story. What happened to Michael Brown was wrong, awful, and possibly criminal. I would like to know how taking to the streets and burning down small businesses that individuals not involved in what happened is an appropriate response. How does all of this violence do anything to bring peace and comfort to Michael's family? Michael's mother has called for calm from the very beginning of this and if she can be patient and wait for an investigation; why then can't everyone? Many of those protesting don't even live in Ferguson; making crowds even harder for the police to handle. I get solidarity, I do. What I don't get is what looting and violence do to further solidarity. Surely there are other things we could be doing to speak to the injustice we see and feel. Prayer services and/ or letter writing campaigns come to mind. Yes, racism and discrimination exists and it is wrong. But I can't think of one example from history that the kind of behavior we are seeing in Ferguson right now has brought about positive change. Malcolm X abandoned his violent stance as did Nelson Mandela. Martin Luther King never approved of this kind of behavior and though he was murdered his family has carried on with that message because it is still a valid message. We cannot respond to ugliness with more ugliness. Peace begins in the heart of the individual who says " I will rise above the darkness, not become a part of it". There is so much that can be said on this topic, so much is wrong with what is happening right now. I urge all to withhold judgment until more is known. I do believe an independent investigation is a good idea so that the results will be believed by everyone. I found this video; he says things I think only a black man can say on the subject. Pardon the swearing here In closing I pray for peace and justice in Ferguson MO. I pray the truth will come out quickly and that somehow we will learn from this madness and tragedy. Grace and peace CAC

We Should Never Forget

Today is a very sad anniversary. You should know it is the 7th anniversary of the worst act of terror on US soil. Including the 19 hijackers, 2,993 people died in the attacks. Another 24 are missing and presumed dead; bringing the probable total to 3017. Dead in a matter of minutes if not seconds, for no other reason than they showed up to work or do business.
My heart is heavy with the fear, turmoil, sorrow and anger that this day brought and is still bringing to our Nation. I hope I never become indifferent to the great loss that came with this day, and pray for softened hearts for those who may have done so.
I am praying for the families of these victims of terror, for our Nations leaders and our Soldiers. Won't you please do the same; whether you support the war or the President is not of import. What is important is that there are people who are still deep in grief, those are deeply angered and frustrated, those who are willing to sacrifice their very lives to insure our safety and those who struggling to make good decisions in a season of great turmoil.