Events that shocked the world

Then the shooting and killing of Jo Cox MP, by a man who may have had some association with a far right-wing group.  In both cases the perpetrators seemed to be psychologically challenged, which does not excuse them from their heinous actions. 

But such events and the senselessness of them rocks our sense of comfort and how we see our world.  For some the response is a paralyzing despair.  For others it is anger and a will to revenge.  But we have seen on display in many responses the best in humanity.

Orlando has come together as a city to mourn and support one another. The powerful statement by Jo Cox’s husband was a clarion call to continue her life’s commitment: "I and Jo's friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo."

A hymn by the Revd Ally Barrett in response to these events captures a way forward: Here is one of its stanzas:

O God, your loving passion
Is deeper than our pain,
Look down, and in compassion
Bring us to life again.
When we are found despairing,
When all seems lost to sin,
We'll hear your voice declaring
That love alone will win.

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