Pray: offering a Divine Mercy Chaplet for all of those affected by gun violence, especially parents who have lost their children, and for the repose of the victims’ souls. Hopefully I can include my 2 year old in this!
Talk: having a conversation with my husband about how we can move forward united as a couple and family. I’m especially keen to share the conversation I had yesterday with our US rep’s staffer who followed up on my phone call.
Act: calling state rep and senator, since I’ve already called US.
Give: tbd. Hope this will be a fruit of talking to my husband!
Felt a little panic that I hadn't decided on my action for each category.... but took a breath and reminded myself that this is a long work. Sharing in case anyone else is feeling the same!
I'm going to be calling my reps tomorrow. Seems like a great day, when news will be distracted with other things. We will not forget.
Praying some psalms of lament. And checking in here to be inspired and encouraged on the journey.
Funny, I've spent a lot of time thinking abstractly about this without making decisions.
For sure I'm to be praying the final six lines from Laura's prayer, posted here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqX2baOrKXl/ Also planning to reach out to my reps again. Would love to do four things on 4/4, so I guess I'll see where the spirit leads tomorrow.
Apr 4, 2023·edited Apr 4, 2023Liked by Laura Kelly Fanucci
Like a few of the other commenters, I have not formed a plan, but I am so grateful for the ideas you have put forth. I will carve out a quiet moment after drop-off this morning to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in prayer and action today. Weirdly, I actually met one of my senators Saturday morning in a bizarre/blizzard chance encounter, but I had no idea how to ask her about gun legislation. I don't see it as a regret but as a nudge to educate myself.
Pray: daily prayers for those directly touched by gun violence, for strength to take action, for the time when these prayers are no longer needed
Talk: my method of talking is generally listening to others (on both sides of a topic) and offering support, thanks, or gentle encouragement to consider other possibilities as options.
Act: overcome my distaste for calling/emailing my representatives and simply reach out to encourage them to be bold and support some common sense rules around guns and also put into action more resources to educate the public about proper storage of their guns and ammunition - as well as funding mental health resources for those in need.
Thank you for creating this space and providing the resources - your gift of time, talent, and treasure for our children does not go unseen - you are making Jesus and Mary proud today!
Pray: Will focus my Lenten stations on this today. We also pray the St. Michael prayer on the way to school every day, we started about a year or so ago (I don't remember why). I like the idea of my children being protected and knowing the saints are close to their heart and that the power to destroy the devil is on our side.
Act: I will call/email state and federal representatives
Talk: Not sure yet, I posted on FB saying I'm open to dialogue and I love Laura's idea of forming a local bipartisan group of 30.
Give: Gave a bit to Everytown, and will continue to research organizations that are effective for what I want to do. I like the reoccurring monthly idea, just have to find the right organization.
Pray - I am going to sit out on the bench in front of my kids school tonight fr a half hour and pray.
Talk - I am committing myself to have five conversations with people who I don't already know their opinions on the issue in the month of April.
Act - I have called so many times. I am committing to meeting a rep in person in the next year. I may drive to the capitol to schedule the meeting.
Donate - I think I am going to give to Moms Demand Action, but am still doing some research to see if there are some local efforts that may benefit more from a donation.
I'm writing and calling each of my congressional reps today. I'm also sharing your newsletter on social media and encouraging my friends and family to make calls too. I'm going to spend some time doing a Loving Kindness meditation, focusing on healing thoughts for the families and communities affected by gun violence. And I put a hold on "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough" at my library.
My 4 steps for 4/4:
Pray: add Isaiah 2 to my morning prayer (want to do this for the whole season of Easter!)
Talk: working on a bipartisan group of 30 local friends to call our reps 1 day a month.
Act: pick up Taylor Schuuman’s book "When Thoughts & Prayers Aren’t Enough" from the library.
Give: already set up a recurring monthly donation to an organization that fights gun violence.
Pray: offering a Divine Mercy Chaplet for all of those affected by gun violence, especially parents who have lost their children, and for the repose of the victims’ souls. Hopefully I can include my 2 year old in this!
Talk: having a conversation with my husband about how we can move forward united as a couple and family. I’m especially keen to share the conversation I had yesterday with our US rep’s staffer who followed up on my phone call.
Act: calling state rep and senator, since I’ve already called US.
Give: tbd. Hope this will be a fruit of talking to my husband!
Felt a little panic that I hadn't decided on my action for each category.... but took a breath and reminded myself that this is a long work. Sharing in case anyone else is feeling the same!
I'm going to be calling my reps tomorrow. Seems like a great day, when news will be distracted with other things. We will not forget.
Praying some psalms of lament. And checking in here to be inspired and encouraged on the journey.
Funny, I've spent a lot of time thinking abstractly about this without making decisions.
For sure I'm to be praying the final six lines from Laura's prayer, posted here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqX2baOrKXl/ Also planning to reach out to my reps again. Would love to do four things on 4/4, so I guess I'll see where the spirit leads tomorrow.
Pray - I will offer Morning Prayer for all victims of gun violence in America.
Talk - I will call my state legislators in support of the red flag law currently under consideration in MN.
Act - I will write a thank you note to my children's teachers.
Give - TBD, probably Everytown for Gun Safety.
Like a few of the other commenters, I have not formed a plan, but I am so grateful for the ideas you have put forth. I will carve out a quiet moment after drop-off this morning to ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in prayer and action today. Weirdly, I actually met one of my senators Saturday morning in a bizarre/blizzard chance encounter, but I had no idea how to ask her about gun legislation. I don't see it as a regret but as a nudge to educate myself.
Pray: will pray this prayer weekly: https://sanangelodiocese.org/prayer-against-gun-violence
Talk: will talk w my husband and local and college friends about what we can do.
Act: signed up to attend a Moms Demand Action meeting on 6/25.
Give: signed up to give $10/month to Giffords Law Center (very reputable and active!)
Thanks, Laura! Will spread the word.
Pray: daily prayers for those directly touched by gun violence, for strength to take action, for the time when these prayers are no longer needed
Talk: my method of talking is generally listening to others (on both sides of a topic) and offering support, thanks, or gentle encouragement to consider other possibilities as options.
Act: overcome my distaste for calling/emailing my representatives and simply reach out to encourage them to be bold and support some common sense rules around guns and also put into action more resources to educate the public about proper storage of their guns and ammunition - as well as funding mental health resources for those in need.
Thank you for creating this space and providing the resources - your gift of time, talent, and treasure for our children does not go unseen - you are making Jesus and Mary proud today!
Pray: Offering Stations of the Cross for the victims, their families, and those who struggle with mental illness.
Talk: (Inspired by Carly Mitchell) I will talk to my husband as well on what we can do as a family and where we can put our money toward a change.
Act: I will call my members of congress to plead for change.
Give: Will decide with my husband where we feel called to donate.
Pray: Will focus my Lenten stations on this today. We also pray the St. Michael prayer on the way to school every day, we started about a year or so ago (I don't remember why). I like the idea of my children being protected and knowing the saints are close to their heart and that the power to destroy the devil is on our side.
Act: I will call/email state and federal representatives
Talk: Not sure yet, I posted on FB saying I'm open to dialogue and I love Laura's idea of forming a local bipartisan group of 30.
Give: Gave a bit to Everytown, and will continue to research organizations that are effective for what I want to do. I like the reoccurring monthly idea, just have to find the right organization.
Pray - I am going to sit out on the bench in front of my kids school tonight fr a half hour and pray.
Talk - I am committing myself to have five conversations with people who I don't already know their opinions on the issue in the month of April.
Act - I have called so many times. I am committing to meeting a rep in person in the next year. I may drive to the capitol to schedule the meeting.
Donate - I think I am going to give to Moms Demand Action, but am still doing some research to see if there are some local efforts that may benefit more from a donation.
I'm writing and calling each of my congressional reps today. I'm also sharing your newsletter on social media and encouraging my friends and family to make calls too. I'm going to spend some time doing a Loving Kindness meditation, focusing on healing thoughts for the families and communities affected by gun violence. And I put a hold on "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough" at my library.