With the news of yet another tragic school shooting this week in Uvalde, Texas, one can’t help but be reminded of the first four words of Psalm 13 – “How long, O Lord?”  Our hearts break for all of the families and loved ones who suffered horrific loss as a result of this senseless act of violence that took multiple lives.  This is yet another mass shooting on the heels of the Buffalo, New York tragedy fueled by racism less than a couple weeks ago.

The Uvalde massacre is now added to the growing list of school shootings and resulted in the deaths of 19 children and 2 adults with an additional 16 people being injured.  Resources tell us that there have been 119 school shootings since 2018 with 27 school shootings so far this year.

We will continue to pray fervently for the families who have suffered this unimaginable loss.  Let’s also seek God’s direction and guidance in terms of our role in helping to transform minds and lives from hate and violence to peace and love.  The grace of Jesus Christ must be infused in our surroundings in ways that alter the current climate of violence.  Let’s add to our prayers action when we vote, action that elects lawmakers who refuse to settle for complacency when it comes to addressing the issue of gun violence.  Common sense reforms are desperately needed; de-escalation must be prioritized.  Positive change must be our goal.

Pastor Swanzi Saunders
Valencia Christian Center