I am still feeling sad for the death of Jo Cox - someone who spent her life working to make the world a better place. I respect and honour her memory. Whether or not we agreed with her point of view, it is important that she made it - clearly and graciously.
This is the week we vote in the EU referendum. [I'm old enough to remember the vote when we joined, back in the 70s] I know how I shall vote, and I will not presume to tell you what to do.
Last Sunday we sung this old Graham Kendrick song in Church, I found the words both moving, and challenging.
Who can sound the depths of sorrowIn the Father heart of GodFor the children we've rejectedFor the lives so deeply scarred?And each light that we've extinguishedHas brought darkness to our landUpon our nation, upon our nationHave mercy, Lord
We have scorned the truth you gave usWe have bowed to other lordsWe have sacrificed the childrenOn the altars of our godsO let truth again shine on usLet your holy fear descendUpon our nation, upon our nationHave mercy, Lord
Who can stand before your anger?Who can face your piercing eyes?For you love the weak and helplessAnd you hear the victims' criesYes, you are a God of justiceAnd your judgement surely comesUpon our nation, upon our nationHave mercy, Lord
Who will stand against the violence?Who will comfort those who mourn?In an age of cruel rejectionWho will build for love a home?Come and shake us into actionCome and melt our hearts of stoneUpon your people, upon your peopleHave mercy, Lord
Who can sound the depths of mercyIn the Father heart of God?For there is a Man of sorrowsWho for sinners shed his bloodHe can heal the wounds of nationsHe can wash the guilty cleanBecause of Jesus, because of Jesus
Have mercy, Lord
this week I just pray
- that the Lord will have mercy on our nation, and turn hearts back to Him
- that men and women will vote for justice, and truth, and righteousness
- that we will consider the impact of our choice on the weak, the helpless, the rejected, and the victims in our world
- that we will not just decide because of how it will affect us personally, but think of others around us, and think of future generations too
I know, I feel so sad about it too. This whole referendum - the tone of it, the things you hear people say has been very sobering.
ReplyDeleteI can say this, from my great age...but I feel so sad that our nation has changed so much, has seemingly lost the values that we grew up with.
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel really sad too. What has happened to compassion and unity?x
ReplyDeleteI'll be glad when the whole thing is over.
ReplyDeleteWhich ever side wins, I'm sure we will have to endure plenty of "I told you so's", but it's been a very nasty time, too nasty for me anyway.