Calling for the Wailing Women!

After celebrating the Memorial Holiday with rest and relaxation I have given myself a moment to vacate from the emotion I've been feeling for the last two weeks. As a new mother (she's only 20 months) I can still call myself new, right? I have been literally weeping over the violence taking the lives of our children this year. I heard a report that over 28 children have lost their lives this school year alone. All of this emotion was sparked by the death of Blair Holt, the 16- year- old shot on a CTA bus a few weeks ago. I'm sad about a promising life snuffed out, I'm angry that this isn't the first tragedy of its kind and I'm mad that our children aren't safe anywhere. I keep wondering when will things change and how will it happen? There has been demonstrated outrage from African American politicians, community residents and religious leaders. But there was outrage in 1984 when the Simeon High School star basketball player was shot. There were prayer vigils and public outrage but obviously they were in vain because our children are no safer today than they were then. All of my turmoil was flamed by the lack of mention or attention that is given to this American crisis on some of my favorite radio shows. We have the privilege of having entire radio programs and ministries dedicated to the family and its preservation. But, somehow the crisis facing the black family doesn't even make the radar. Or it so seldom makes it that it really isn't worth mentioning. I've been crying out to God! What needs to happen? What steps are concerned Christians to take? For me another very real question is how do I ensure the safety of my little one? Am I doing all of this loving, teaching and nurturing only to have her go off to school and not return? I realize my thoughts have become irrational ramblings but to live so close to tragedy is sometimes overwhelming. I spoke last year during a Sunday Morning Service about the wailing women and the role they played in bible days. Today I am calling for the wailing women. Someone who will lift up a shout to the Lord on behalf of our babies and our society as a whole. I'm calling for a few women who will humble themselves before the Lord and lament the crisis in my community. I'm wondering if there are a couple of women who will fast and seek the Lord for the protection of children everywhere.