In the last few days, gun violence has come into my sphere of life closer than it has for long time.

First, there was an incident on the other side of our block in Hillsboro with a 20-year-old and a police officer that ended in a shooting. The officer says he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, so he shot self-defense. The young man’s family say it was an overreaction fueled by racial tensions. Either way, there was a fight that ended in blood and bullets.

Then last night, one of my students told me that her ex-husband was shot in Portland over the weekend. I could see the deep sadness in her eyes. She told me worried about her 11- and 12-year-old children that have now lost their father. The other students were dismayed by the senseless crime.

I don’t have a full comprehension of either situation, but my heart is moved by the suffering. Please join me in prayer for individuals and families in our community. Pray for goodness to replace violence. Pray for leadership that makes righteous decisions. Pray for engagement of friends and neighbors with our community. Pray for peace.