Thus says the Lord:
A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
she refuses to be comforted for her children,
because they are no more. Jeremiah 31:15
Today, and all days, we remember the little ones that never made it home and those who survive with scars too deep for words. Today, both in the US and Canada, we learn and reflect on what our governments and churches did, hand in hand, to the innocent children forced into boarding or residential schools, to "kill the Indian and save the man." If you don't know anything about this history, take the time to learn something and seek out those who can tell their stories, firsthand. Our God is with those who weep and mourn, with those broken by loss, abuse and separation, always.
A Litany for Orange Shirt Day
Loving Creator, you draw the circle of love so wide
that none can escape your healing and your love.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.
Some though they could fix a problem by taking children
and found out that you were standing with those families.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.
Leaders knew that they could take the vulnerable ones
cut their hair, silence their language and their true nature.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.
Yet you, O Lord, are the one who made beautiful diversity
and put your song in our hearts before the colonists came.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.
They forgot they were on holy ground, seeing only free land
yet we, dear Lord, honor you in every breath we take.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts.
Lord, mend the broken hoop and heal our sorrowing hearts
for you are the God of all nations and we your beloved children.
Precious Savior, forgive us for the damage done and make us those who help mend hearts. Amen.
