Christian Reflection and Prayer

A license to kill? That’s how some people are interpreting Florida’s
“Stand Your Ground” law after the killing of Jordan Davis.

Thanks to Stand Your Ground laws, people in 24 states are allowed
to shoot (and kill) others if they feel threatened in public. This law
recently held up the defense for Michael Dunn, who shot and killed
teenager Jordan Davis after approaching Davis’ parked car and
asking him to turn down his music. The jury was unable to convict
Dunn of murder.

Stand Your Ground laws are standing in the way of just convictions
in 24 states. Will you join us in calling for an end to these unjust laws?

Jordan Davis was killed, but the jury couldn’t decide if it was murder.
Stand Your Ground laws meant they had to decide whether Michael
Dunn truly felt threatened. Even though police found no evidence that
Jordan Davis was armed, the jury could not agree on a verdict. These
laws aren’t just contributing to a climate of fear; they are undermining
the justice system.

We need to speak out against a culture that legitimizes killing as a
first response to fear. Let’s tell state governors to end these laws that
fuel fear and enable tragedy.

Stand Your Ground laws have no place in our communities. Let’s work
together to end them.

In faith,
Janelle, Tim, and the rest of the Sojourners team
___________________________________

Scripture:

Matthew 20:29-34
New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho,
a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were
sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus
was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son
of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have
mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt
sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they
could see! Then they followed him.

Reflection:

Recently I was in a meeting and someone kept
interrupting others who were speaking. I must admit it
was very frustrating for me. After a couple of these
interruptions, I stopped this person and ask them, "What
do you want?" I thought afterword that it was quite abrupt
of be to do that. However, it turned out to be the best
thing. They were able to share exactly what it was that
was bothering them. Thankfully we were able to continue
the meeting without any further delay.

How many of us have been quietly frustrated at persistent
interruptions in life? We inwardly gripe when we should be
outwardly asking the obvious questions. How many times
have we missed the obvious? Today ask yourself what is
your real need. You may be surprised-or maybe you won't.

Prayer:

Lord, let me not miss the obvious than others and most of
all in myself. Show me the real need. Amen

(Covenant Home Alter, author Gricel Medina)