Law of Attraction

"Whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you." Phillippians 4:8-9



Gee, could LA use a good dose of that Scriptural version of the Law of Attraction.

This week's Homicide Report at the LA Times revealed detailed accounts of two boys mowed down--Anthony "Chucho" Escobar, only 13 years old shot in his driveway and Antwan Cole, 19, murdered at a bus stop. The Times coverage has expanded beyond bare facts, to interviewing family members. On-line responses are growing. I think this shift of awareness that these casualties of violence are real human beings and not faceless thugs is a positive step.

Responses vary from prayers to expressions of fear or anger. At least we as community members are taking notice. This is a community problem, not merely a police problem.

I certainly don't have "the" answer for solving LA gang problem, obviously nobody does. But going back to the Scripture from Phillipians is a good place start. The attraction and glamour of Gang life needs to become obsolete. Our youth has to have a change of mind, a change in what they want to attract into their lives. They need to understand what is "honorable, just, pure and lovely" and follow a path in those directions, only then can they come to know the God of peace.

"Oh Lord, we lift the families of Chucho and Antwan to you this morning. We ask you bring them comfort and consolation in their loss. Use the lives of these boys as a catalyst for positive change, not unending revenge. Show our youth how to find the excellence in themselves through you."

So Be It,

Mother T
mother_t@yahoo.com