We woke up to dark clouds and rain and somber thoughts.  Orlando, 3,000 miles away and in the opposite corner of our country, overwhelmed our early morning.  Nyel, still in his bathrobe, crossed the street and lowered the churchyard flag to half-staff.

I thought of actor Frank Langella’s remarks at last night’s Tony Awards: “When something bad happens we have three choices: we let it define us, we let it destroy us, or we let it strengthen us.”

I thought about Father Tom Williams and his oft repeated call for prayer: “It’s the least we can do; it’s the most we can do; it’s all we can do.”

I thought about our country and the map and pictured that long, diagonal line from Oysterville to Orlando.  And I thought of the troubled nation in between.

Can we truly be strengthened, Mr. Langella?  Is prayer really all we can do, Father Tom?  I am thankful for the words of resolve and comfort but…