Writing on Peace

I haven't written in a while because of difficult events in our church family.
A gentleman who plays on the church softball team got into a scrape at a local school recently and was arrested; felt bad for all involved:( Our sweet pastor & other men were on hand to support him through the initial court proceedings & to help navigate him through the media.

A tragedy involving one of our church youth occurred this past Sunday evening. He apparently accidentally killed himself, although at first it appeared to be a suicide:( How devastating to lose a young man only 16 years old. Words fail during a dark time. This comes on the heels of a girl among our college/career age group attempting suicide a few months ago.
We all feel so helpless:(

Christians need one another, as all people do. And we need to comfort one another and forgive one another and realize we are all vunerable & weak at times. We hope and pray our sins are not on the front page, but they could be at any given time.....

The sad part is when a talented, smart boy gets involved in things that have consequences that cannot be reversed. Or a young woman cries out for help in such an extreme way. Or a man needs support during a very stressful time in his life & he may feel out of control.
We should listen to those around us, truly listen, and be there for them through thick & thin.

Our church family is made up of many strong people of faith who are sinners, no exceptions, but who know where their strength comes from.
May we never forget to pour out mercy and forgiveness and grace to others, and daily ask for the same for ourselves.