Do More Than Pray

I have to 'do more than pray' as our nation considers a military strike in Syria.  I admit that I do not have any clear idea what the right or best answer is to the question of whether we should or should not strike now.  I also want readers to know I was an activist against the Vietnam War and was opposed to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

So this is another time I have to do more than pray.  I have to ask myself hard questions: when more than 100,000 people have been killed by all sides in Syria what is the sense of us drawing a 'red line'?  While we are drawing this line what about any 'red line' for the ongoing violent conflicts in Africa that continue to take innocent lives? How much 'military aid' are we already providing to the rebels?  Since there seems to be many 'shades' of rebel (some like us, some do not) what happens if there is a regime change?  As a nation, what other options have we really considered? And the questions go on.

My United Methodist denomination has called for a 'day of prayer' for the people of Syria.  I'm good with that but I have to do more than pray.  I have to educate myself, question policy statements, challenge any pronouncement that seems to invoke 'we got it right this time', share my views with others, including my congressional leaders.  Finally, I wonder if there is wisdom in the American vision of exporting our form of democracy to Syria or  other Middle Eastern nations?  I have seen the clothing in stores that says 'one size fits all.'  That doesn't work for me and I am not convinced it works for the world.

However you feel and whatever side you find yourself on in this crucial decision all I asking is suggesting is 'do more than pray.'