Spirit Filled Sunday #17

I am sure many of you are aware of the Trayvon Martin case. I will not go into details as you can get the details with a simple Google search. I am also not going to express my opinion about the case... opinions come a dime a dozen. But what I would like to do is state some simple facts:

1) Trayvon Martin was shot and killed.

2) George Zimmerman,the man who admitted to the police that he shot Trayvon, has not been arrested.

3) Travyon was a 17 year old African American male, wearing a hoodie and carrying a bag of Skittles and a ice tea when he was murdered.

4) Zimmerman was carrying a loaded gun.

5) Trayvon was somebody's son.

This last fact is what has led me to this post tonight. I am the parent of an almost 16 year old son. My son is African American. My son wears hoodies. My son drinks ice tea and occasionally eats Skittles.

While we are so wrapped up in the politics of this case, I don't want to lose sight of the fact that a child has lost his life. Parents have lost their son. I pray that as we wear hoodies in remembrance of Trayvon, as we sign petitions and as we march for justice in this case, that we also get on our knees and pray. Pray for the family of Trayvon. When the media shuts off it's cameras and the house is quiet around them, I believe this is when the fullness of their grief takes hold of their hearts. Our prayers are needed. Lift up Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton: Trayvon's father and mother. Call them by name. Ask GOD to give them peace that transcends all understanding. Pray for GOD to give them comfort in their sorrow and bless them with memories that will bring unspeakable joy.

I ask you to pray for our children who are growing up in a world where simply walking down a neighborhood street with a hoodie can cause you to be labeled "suspicious" and "up to no good".

And although some may find this odd, I also encourage you to pray for George Zimmerman and his family. Two families were effected by the tragic events that took place that night. Prayer is needed for both.

And lastly, I ask you to pray for GOD's will to be done and for acceptance of HIS will.

I will be praying. I pray you will be too...

Rest in peace, Trayvon Martin. Rest in peace.