Remembering World AIDs Day

O God, to day I remember:

I remember that every 9 1/2 minutes someone in the US in newly infected with AIDs;

I remember the 33.3 million people infected with AIDs;

I remember those who didn't receive life saving medicine today because they are poor;

I remember those who are unable to say no and practice safe sex;

I remember the high school student  who was so passionate about AIDs that I was able to help her bring AIDs awareness and activism to our town.

I remember my fellow seminarian who had been living with AIDs for years and taught me so much and brought home that AIDs affects so many people including Black Women.

I remember the men of the AIDs caravan who made their way across the country, who taught me hospitality and hope as they shared awareness as education about AIDs.

I remember the AIDs coordinator who shared her passion with all of us.

I remember all my friends in Casper, WY who lost loved ones to AIDs.

I remember Africa today,

We remember God that tears are cleanse us as well as hurt us;

We remember, Holy One, because telling and sharing our stories renews our hope;

We remember, Gracious One, because in holding one another we help quilt the world with Your stitches of sacred joy;

We remember now, this moment all who died of AIDs

Holy One, be with us as we remember so that we never forget.  Amen.