GOOD NEWS MONDAY | Victoria, Texas shows Solidarity

Today I can't think of a better story than what has transpired this weekend here in Victoria after a terrible tragedy - the burning of the local Islamic Mosque.

It is still not known if the fire was an accident or intentional but I am overwhelmed with pride for our community. The Muslim community gathered to pray this morning but they were not alone. Over 400 members of our community gathered with them in the cold to show their love and support.

They started the prayer with the Pledge of Allegiance. They all said it together - " I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The words seem to mean so much more when it is said together, out loud by people from different races and religions.

Signs were made which said "Love thy Neighbor", "United We Stand", "We Will Rebuild With Love" and others like it.

The Victoria Advocate reported that at least four Victoria churches and a synagogue offered the use of their own houses of worship to the members of the mosque.

A GoFundMe was created and I scrolled through the names of the donors. It made my heart swell to see the thousands of people who gave $10, $50 and more. I read the comments and they all held a common thread - we stand with you.

Every day the news, facebook, etc all highlight every bad thing that happens in America and the world. My facebook feed seems to be filled with hate, negativity and complaining. But today it was different. Everyone was commenting on how sad this was. How beautiful this building was. How they were praying for their Islamic neighbors.

Way to go Victoria, Texas. I am proud of you.

It brings Joseph's words in mind in Genesis 50:20: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."