Responding to Charlottesville Events

I am on spiritual renewal leave during the month of August.  Part of my "work" during that month has been to do some writing of hymn texts for use in my local church.  Words and phrases have been active in my mind these past 11 days, and I am looking forward to sharing with my congregation these texts and tunes for us to sing together.

And then, today and the events of Charlottesville.  I felt that I needed to respond in some way - and as I considered the news, and what a Christian response might be, I moved toward penning a hymn text. So, here it is for you - and if it is helpful, please feel free to use it.  In my head, I am hearing AURELIA (The Church's One Foundation) as the tune for this text.

When hate and fear are reigning,

men’s hands have been raised high,

We long with pain and trembling

for days when none will die.

We hope for times of wholeness

when war and strife will cease;

We search for ways to answer;

“our witness must increase.”

Despite their hoods and armor,

some walked linked arm in arm.

Friends brought a peaceful protest,

to show these men no harm.

Still cars became their weapons,

they injured and they killed.

If swords turn into plowshares,

some peace may be instilled.

We wonder in this process

if God is really there.

We comfort countless victims,

and feel God’s presence there.

We pray the Holy Spirit

will work to heal our land.

and one day all God’s children

will walk here hand in hand.