Article July 21, 1997 Issue

COMMUNITY WATCH

Prayer for relationships—help for a community

Lacy Bell Richter

Not long ago, our chief of police requested the clergy to meet with him to discuss community problems. In his opening remarks, he cited deterioration of the family as one of the causes of juvenile irresponsibility and delinquency. Emphasizing that legal marriage is essential to preserve stability in society, he asked citizens to aid him and his staff in their efforts to strengthen relationships within families.

The chief's appeal made me examine my priorities. I found there was no space reserved in my life for chumming with children. This gap didn't feel right. When I read that city officials where I live blame random shootings and graffiti on the influx of many different cultures, I started thinking of how much I love my city and yearn to see it embrace children of all races. I knew I could trust God to show me how to truly know these children, and how to let them know they're valued and loved. Their feeling this impartial love, I felt, would strengthen their own family relationships.

But first, I knew I must turn to a radically spiritual viewpoint of the people in my community.

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