Poems, Prayers, and Promises from a Country Parson

Unless you are living under a rock, you've probably heard the news about tragic gun violence in the United States.  Gun violence is nothing new.  Violence is nothing new.  It goes back to the time of Cain and Abel. 

When Cain killed Abel he didn't use a gun.  We really don't what instrument Cain used to do the dirty deed.  In my imagination I see Cain hitting his brother in the head with a large stone or rock.  I see him crushing the life force out of his brother.  It was truly a sad moment in human history.

Violence in any form or fashion is a sad moment in human history.  But what are we to do?  Do we gather up all the weapons of violence?  Do we ask people to bring their guns to town?  Do we ban bullets?  Do we add waiting lists and background checks?

In my opinion I think those actions are the easy way.  It is easy to pass a law and issue an edict that says we will ban the weapons and instruments of violence.  At one point a legislative body outlawed war. 

We see how that has helped us.

I guess I should reveal this bit of important information...I own several guns.  I am taking up hunting as hobby and sport.  I like to go to the shooting range and target practice.  I am even licensed for concealed carry.  I own weapons.  I have an arsenal of instruments of violence.

As you read this, you might be wondering how can a gun owner be writing a blog about gun violence.  What valid point can he make about gun control and living in peace with others?

I can't answer that question.  However, I know we all weapons.  We all own an arsenal of hate and violence.  It is hidden in our heart. 

When I consider the gun violence of the past weeks, not just the stories that have enraptured us in the headlines, but the stories that are not known.  I think of stories like the kid who incidentally shot himself with a loaded and unsecured handgun, the liquor story robbery, the home invasion, and the list goes on.  When I consider the violence of the past weeks and past history, above all I see a failure of the heart. A failure to love.  A failure to choose the path that love would take. 

Love is hard work.  You can't legislate love.  You can't force others to love.  Love happens.  Love requires work.  I wonder if we spent more time loving and getting to know our neighbor if our world would look a little more like the Kingdom of God and less like a crime scene?

You might wonder what I plan to do with the guns I own.  I will keep them.  I will still hunt and go to the shooting range, but it just might be time for me to let the bullets stay in my underwear drawer.