In our lament over the news of violence against children at a Nashville school, Pastor Cheryl offers us a child-like version of Psalm 23 below.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd.  This is a comforting truth for us at any age. Perhaps we can share this Psalm together with our children and youth as a prayer of both confidence in Jesus and commitment to walk in his ways.

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God is my Shepherd
I am a sheep
The Shepherd makes sure I have everything I need.
The Shepherd leads me to safe pastures where I can lie down and rest.
The Shepherd leads me to green pastures and pools of good water.
The shepherd heals all the parts of me that are broken or hurt.

Sometimes we walk through a dark valley, sometimes a death valley.
But I am not afraid because the Shepherd is with me.
The Shepherd walks next to me. 
The trusty crook makes me feel safe.

You, Good Shepherd, will take care of me even when I am surrounded by enemies.
You, Good Shepherd give me good food
You, Good Shepherd, choose me and like me, when no one else does.
I am surrounded by good people. I am surrounded by kindness.
You are my home Good Shepherd. 
I live in you, and you live in me.