A Few Words for the Other Mothers...

Tonight the little angel had trouble falling asleep. I have a feeling I will, too.  This time feels like another time when we as a country faced an unspeakable sadness, and it was not so long ago.  Despite my intense disregard for our president, I do respect the fact that he has been dealt more than most.  This thing that has happened is rapidly unraveling the citizenry of New Orleans into an uglier America.  Who can blame them for wondering where the clean water is?  As I did my laundry and washed my dishes tonight, I couldn't help but think of all that other, dirtier water that has seeped into the homes and lives of so many Americans.  I usually (as most Lutherans do) refuse to wear my religion on my shirtsleeve.  However, tonight I can't help but think sometimes there is no one to turn to but a higher power. 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run, and not be weary. They shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

God be with you all.

Now I lay me down to sleep...

Dear God,

Please be with all the little angels and their parents tonight who go to bed not knowing where the next clean diaper or cold glass of milk might be.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep...

Please grant them peace and wisdom to know where to turn, who to trust, and what next step might be the safest and best choice for their families.

Keep me safe through all the night...

Please help them find their loved ones, even without sound communication. Please grant the soldiers and police who strive to rescue those without hope the time and energy they need to get the job done. Strengthen their resolve and guide their lights as they look for the lost among the floodwaters. 

And wake me with the morning light...

Please show those whose lives have been disassembled that there is always still hope, there is always the next morning, there are always those who will willingly open their hearts and homes to provide shelter to their fellow man.  Please let us not forget that we are the country who offer hope to the weak, the weary, the lost, the homeless.  Please guide our leaders to accept the help of a world offering us its shoulder, whatever shoulder that may be.  Pardon our arrogance and bend our pride, so that we might help those who sleep without hope tonight.

Amen.