The terrible attacks this weekend in Paris are a symptom of our sick and hurting world.  A world we Unitarians seek to heal and nurture.

It is all too easy, at times like this to say “God Is On Our Side!!” and I am betting you have already heard this...or will hear it...from both sides in this matter.  As an Agnostic, I do not believe in God (nor do I disbelieve) — but here is what I DO believe:

First, no religion is going to be able to give us a satisfactory answer as to why these things happen...no religion can give an answer that satisfies to ...why would a loving God allow such things to happen?

Second, if there is a God...an all-loving God...then surely such a God would only be on the side of peace, love, tolerance, mercy and compassion.  No such God would align with one group of humans against another group of humans...no, the events of this past weekend would break any God’s heart.

I feel compelled, at this time...to offer my positive energies, karma, prayers...call them what you will...to the victims and the families of victims in this tragedy.  That they find a way to heal and to carry on.  I feel compelled, also, to offer them to the perpetrators of this tragedy.  That they would come to see that violence is not an answer...that they would no longer feel that this is the only way they can be heard...and feel that their concerns are addressed.

That we could all live in a world of peace, love, understanding, mercy and compassion.  For surely, if there is a God...this is what God would want for the entire human family.  I am not sure that this helps, but I have felt compelled to share it.  I have felt compelled to be a still, small voice...crying out for peace, understanding, and compassion...in a world filled with loud indignant shouts.