God of Compassion,
Help us to remember that every woman and girl who is beaten, exploited, mutilated, raped or murdered has a name.
Help us to remember that every woman and girl who is beaten, exploited, mutilated, raped or murdered carries the scars inwardly as well as outwardly of the violence perpetrated against her.
Help us to remember that every woman and girl who is beaten, exploited, mutilated, raped or murdered was born with hope and grace and is deserving of them in her life now and forevermore.
Give us the courage and the strength to stand up for and with those for whom life has been inalterably shattered.
Give us the courage and strength to listen deeply of their stories, to hold steadfast in our resolve, and to give of ourselves in a manner that is kind, protective, gentle, healing and powerful.
Oh God, let the chain of violence against women and girls and all that is feminine be broken…
We beseech You to embolden every loving and caring man and youth with the courage and compassion to intervene in the chain of violence against women and girls.
We beseech You to inspire every loving and caring man and youth to serve as a model to other men and youth to respect and uphold the inherent dignity and sacred worthiness of all women and girls.
Oh God, may we, children of your many faiths, reflect our love of You by carrying forth compassion and hope to the fulness of Humankind that You have created.
May it be so… Amen
The Reverend Dr. Gwynne Guibord Founder, The Guibord Center – Religion Inside Out www.theguibordcenter.org