Friday; August 12

A few weeks ago, we had one adolescent murder another at a local carnival. It was a tragic event that not only robbed our community of a young person, but also cast a pall on an enjoyable evening and even traumatized some of the innocent people who were there. After a few weeks, the carnival is scheduled to start up again tonight. As it does, I ask those of us in Southern Maryland to do a couple of things. First, pray for a safe weekend. With the Lord’s help we can regain a sense of normalcy. Secondly, let’s make sure those who seek to do violence know that we won’t stand for it. If you are at the carnival and you see the potential for violence, tell someone. If you are in the area, put a sign on your car that decries violence. Wear a button or sticker that promotes peace. Let’s do what we can to make a statement that this is a good community!

I wish I could say that this is a localized problem, but I realize that no community is exempt from violence. We must all be strong, and we must all be vigilant. When we back down from or ignore the violence in our communities we all lose a little bit of ourselves and our neighborhoods.

I plan on being out at the carnival this weekend supporting our local first responders and the community as a whole. If you decide to attend the carnival – or any event this weekend – let’s make sure people know that wherever we are is a place of peace and this is a community of kindness.

Think About It!

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