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I’m a Pastor and I’m Tired of Praying About It

Another mass shooting, this time in Las Vegas. A man shoots people attending an outdoor concert, over 200 wounded, over 50 dead. And I’m tired of praying about these events.

Sounds odd coming from a pastor doesn’t it? But that’s where I am with all of the massive gun violence problem in America today. I am tired of having to pray for the victims, their families, and all of the responders and medical professionals who are effected with each of these shootings. I’m tired of having to pray with and offer support to individuals, for whom these events are triggers and others who are becoming more and more fearful of society.

The reality is, I won’t stop praying about these situations and the laundry list of other issues and topics on my list. But what I really want to see and experience in America is some real movement to address these problems. I want to see America do things that are proven to help reduce gun violence. I want to see America make policies that increase access to support and education. I want to see America pass some common sense gun control laws, that the majority of the American population wants.

I’m tired of powerful lobbyists spinning the need for gun control -background checks on all gun sales, if you’re on the no fly list you don't need a gun - into they’re going to take away all guns (no one needs a machine gun in their home). This is not an all or nothing issue. There is a middle ground, but I’m tired of grown adults acting like small children with a toy. This is about people’s lives. Will any one measure or new law end all gun violence? No. I’m not delusional to that fact that there will always be gun violence as long as guns exist. But the amount of gun violence can be reduced and we could make this happen.

So I hope you will join me in doing more than just praying about this problem and take up some action, to bring about some much needed changes in American society. Call, email, write your elected officials. Don’t stay focused on the media’s non-stop news coverage, and instead volunteer your time to community improvement, donate blood, and try to make your corner of the world a little bit better.

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