Today, along with so much of the world, I pray for Paris.

I pray for those who suffered tragedy and loss, for those suffering from anxiety, for those grieving. I pray for those working for the safety of the innocent.

Today I will not speak of Isis, that will be the last time the word is mentioned.

Because today is not the day to debate.

Already I see so many roused in anger, and it is justified, but the anger lashes out in all sorts of unjustified ways.

I see accusations, and I told you so’s, and callousness.

I wish to hush these voices.

Because today is not the time for any of them.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,7-8

Today, friends, is not a day to debate and accuse. It is a day to be silent, a day to cry and grieve with those who are grieved, a time to love those hearts that are torn. Pray for Paris.

Today, sing songs of peace,

Tomorrow, fight for it.

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Joy Aletheia Stevens