I met these little girls outside their school where they were showing off their school uniforms to the visitors. They wandered off after telling us stories from school that day.
girls came wandering by heading home after classes.
With their heads turned towards each other, it was
easy to see them talking about all the events of their
school day
Watching the pictures from Israel and Gaza over the last few days, I have thought about these little girls several times. In the midst of the military reports, it is easy to forget that these are the people behind the walls on each side of this battle.
The girls in the top picture live in Gaza and attended a Christian school that educated the poorest of the poor in Gaza City, and the second picture is from the Jewish Quarter in the Old City, Jerusalem where these precious girls were walking home.
As you watch the news, I want to ask us to pray for these children caught in the violence and hatred that separate their people. I was reminded this morning of Jesus healing the Roman centurion's servant and Jesus didn't hesitate to save the life of a person who was Israel's enemy and oppressor. He saved the life of a person made in the image of God, one of his Father's children. On both sides, the innocent are suffering and if a ground offensive goes ahead, many others will be in danger.
So as you watch the news, remember these children with their simple hopes and dreams.
What will life bring them?
What are our Father's hope for their lives?
He created each one, and our prayers may make all the difference. Let us pray for the God of compassion and mercy to lead both sides towards knowing how to solve this conflict. Let the love of Jesus shine through our prayers as we ask our Father to restore hope to people who are living in fear..
