For fear and pain,

We lament.

For people unjustly incarcerated,

We lament.

For bullets through a car,

We lament.

For pepper spray and chemicals,

We lament.

For justice-seekers silenced,

We lament.

For children crying for daddies,

We lament.

For rule-followers punished,

We lament.

For families torn apart,

We lament.

For immigrants treated with hatred,

We lament.

For violent act upon violent act,

We lament.

For tyranny and injustice,

We lament.

For a lack of remorse,

We lament.

For oppression and hatred,

We lament.

For racial discrimination,

We lament.

For leaders who make excuses,

We lament.

For people who stay silent,

We lament.

For our children,

We lament.

For this nation,

We lament.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Romans 12:15

” ‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them…. ‘ “

Leviticus 19:33

‘” “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied, ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” “‘

Matthew 22:37-39

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.