I am completely astonished.

I am astonished by many things everyday, and these past few days are no exception.

I am astonished that some of God’s children were granted equal dignity and their lives celebrated.

I am astonished that some of God’s children were not granted equal dignity and their lives ended in an instant.

Astonished that flags rise high as symbols of love and pride.

Astonished that flags rise high as symbols of hate and pride.

Astonished that some commit acts of love in the name of God.

Astonished that some commit acts of hate in the name of God…sometimes in the same day.

Astonished that our black president sang the lyrics of Amazing Grace,

penned by a white former slave holder who too had experienced amazing grace.

Astonished that some promote bigotry and intolerance in the name of truth and for the well-being of our country.

Astonished that some promote reconciliation and understanding in the name of truth and for the well-being of our country.

Astonished that some lives are saved as a result of affordable healthcare.

Astonished that some lives perish as a result of lack of affordable healthcare.

Astonished that the church celebrates difference.

Astonished that the church celebrates indifference.

Astonished that a man burns himself to inspire justice.

Astonished that churches are burned to inspire justice.

Astonished that it takes tragedy to un-silence voices.

Astonished that it takes tragedy to silence voices.

Astonished that unspeakable violence was met with unspeakable forgiveness.

Astonished that this story belongs to us all.

Astonished that everyday we each make choices that write into this story.

Astonished that this story is to be continued…

Astonishing God who transforms death into life, and darkness into light, astonish me today. Astonish me!