Peace In The Streets: What Does It Look Like?

A day does not go by in America in which someone loses their life over something that is meaningless… and by gun violence.  In so many ways, America has become a “killing field” where even the innocence and the defenseless become victims to power, politics and money.   Even the once “safe” zones within our society are no longer barriers against the unthinkable tragedies of what is happening daily in the streets.  

 

Over the years we have seen a tremendous loss of respect for human life, kindness, decency and laws.  In many ways it does not matter anymore to be a good citizen.   

Behind it all, many people and businesses continue to profit from a gun industry that continues to operate in the mainstream and along the edges of society.  More people are concerned by how they can profit from an industry that is clearly out of control… and with no common sense, guilt or shame.   It seems that we have entered into those last days of “perilous times”, and “when people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…” (2 Tim. 3:1-2) and where “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (I Tim. 6:10).

Perspective

I left the military in 2002, after being on active duty during the Persian Gulf era, Bosnia Campaign, and the start of 911.  My tours of service included deployments and tours to Europe, Caribbean and Japan.  As a Chaplain, I served in the Navy, did a tour with the Marine Corp and Coast Guard.   During my time of service I had the opportunity to work with some of the best men and women our country has, we served not because of fame and fortune, but because we valued “What Freedom Looks Like”… and operated with a great sense of pride of living in the greatest country in the world.   We stood the watch and were willing to do whatever it took to guard those freedoms, not only for ourselves, families, but for other Americans as well. 

Also during this time, I had the privilege and honor to offer countless prayers, conduct numerous memorial and funerals for the fallen.  From a military point of view, I have seen death; I know what that looks like… And while in the service, I really enjoyed helping people, regardless of the situation, backgrounds, race, culture or religious faith… It was my job and calling…  I spend time meeting with the families to provide comfort, a listing ear, a shoulder to cry upon and a voice in which to express their feelings.    

The Streets

Today, I continue to fulfill my calling by working with people in the inner city of Milwaukee… through various churches and community groups … the context is different than the military… but some of the realities are the same.  In the military we served to preserve “world peace”… in the streets it is hard to define what the mission is all about… and it will continue to be hard to find when people lose a sense of community, value for human life, common sense and a willingness to work towards solutions to stop the violence.   

As the road forward takes shape, it will take a lot of people with courage, good will, common sense, and a calling to make a difference … they must see that the greatness of America far outweighs the lining of pockets at the expense of shattered lives, mental illness and youthful dreams unfulfilled.  By the way, I live in Oak Creek, WI, the place of the 2012 Sikh Temple shooting and we know "What It Looks and Feels Like?"   Peace...