The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.

PIERRE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN

Thoughts and prayers

How often have we written or said

to someone who has lost

a dear one?

Yet another tragedy

cliches these words.

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette,

a composer who wishes her song

has not been

needed,

again and again

the way communities

share their outrage

and sorrow,

“If we just talk

of thoughts and prayers,

and don’t live out a faith

that dares,

and don’t take on

the ways of death,

our thoughts and prayers

are fleeting breath.”

On Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day,

the worst happened again.

This time,

it is the young survivors

who are not becoming

faceless victims

having to find strength

to show up at

school each day.

There is movement now

not “a” movement.

Articulate and brave

they are speaking out

at THE Establishment.

If there is to be

hope

in the present

and the future,

we must all

do something

besides

offering

thoughts and prayers.

What are you doing?