A Prayer for Dallas

   Last week a friend of mine committed suicide.  He was as good a guy as they come and I will miss him. I will miss his kindness and generosity. I will miss singing Hank Williams songs with him and seeing him smile across the circle.
    I am grateful to know many men like him, good men, who are quiet, every day heroes. They do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do and expect nothing in return.  They’re the men who change a tire for a stranger, open doors for women, and make sure everyone in the circle gets a chance to shine.   They’re the men that chase down boats, show eager boaters the line at Five Falls and help because that’s who they are. They’re the guys who coach little league everything, cook pancakes for pancake suppers and build whatever needs built.
    They don’t always get the credit they deserve and I know that too many of them suffer. They endure their sorrow alone and in silence with quiet dignity behind closed curtains in empty rooms that we don’t see.  I will miss Dallas. I still miss Jack and cry for Craig, two other friends who took their lives.  The only thing I know to do is pray.

   My Dear Lord God,
      Let the light of Your Holy Countenance shine upon us and the men we know and love. Bless them with Your Divine Presence. Please be with Dallas’ family during this time, comfort them and ease their sorrow. Fill their hearts with love and their ears with music. Hold them gently in Your loving arms and be their strength. My Dear Lord God, help us all be loving and kind to each other. Let us be bold enough to look past our fears and see the sorrows of another and reach out to them with the confidence that Your love bestows. Help each of us find peace where there is a troubled spirit and strength where there is fear. 
    In the name of Christ My Lord,
    Amen

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