In the quiet of our sanctuary, we often seek peace—but the world outside calls us to a different kind of holy work. As we look toward the Middle East, many of us feel a deep, unsettling grief. For decades, but especially recently, U.S. involvement in the region has mirrored a pattern of devastation rather than restoration, often driven more by a thirst for resources and the shadow of Islamophobia than by a genuine pursuit of justice.
We must ask ourselves the hard questions that others avoid. Is the current situation in Iran truly about democracy, or is it a convenient veil? While headlines shift our gaze, we cannot ignore the harrowing realities elsewhere: the staggering civilian toll in Gaza, where many decry a genocide, or the domestic scandals involving powerful figures that remain conveniently obscured. In Iran, the cost is already measured in tragedy, including the bombing of schools and the loss of innocent children.
The time for silent prayer has passed. This is a season for active peacemaking and prophetic protest. At The Church of the Palms, we don’t shy away from the uncomfortable. We strive to be the authentic, brave people God created us to be—standing with the marginalized and speaking truth to power. Join us as we reshape what it means to be the church, turning our faith into bold, transformative action.
We may not have all the answers, but we can support one another in our common journeys.
Shalom, Paul