Commentary by Diana Olvedo-Karau
It was early after the Robb School massacre on May 24, 2022 that what can only be characterized as click bait began to appear across social media platforms, on tee shirts, and in political speeches. The words “ THOUGHTS & PRAYERS” with a line across them signifying that the words are meaningless and of no effect.
These kind of pithy slogans will always be used by movements of any sort to grab peoples attention. Slogans that sensationalize, offend, and challenge one’s belief systems. Slogans that are meant to drive a movement and to give it momentum so that the movement will not die.
This particular slogan first appeared on the landscape of Uvalde, Texas during The Unheard Voices March & Rally held in July 10, 2022. The slogan being the brain child of Dr. Roy Guerrero, founder of the Uvalde Strong for Gun Safety Facebook group, and printed on bright orange T-shirts for people to wear during the march. The slogan continues to be used by many, but for some reason Dr. Guerrero has disappeared from the conversation.
In recent months, the slogan has been the subject of many an editorial, spoken from the mouth of many a politician and used as a hashtag on social media. Like many things that have transpired since May 24, 2022 this slogan also causes me to wonder why people of faith would believe that thoughts and prayers sincerely offered would be of no effect.
The first anniversary of this tragic event is upon us and Uvalde continues to be divided. Many people continue to walk on eggshells unsure of what to do or what to say, for fear of offending.  Because of this great divide there does not appear to be a coordinated community wide effort to commemorate May 24th, but several smaller and individualized events appear to have been planned. The words “thoughts and prayers” will be at the center of many of these commemorating events, and one side will utter them as a whipping stick, and the other will utter them in the fervent belief that they have the power to heal and strengthen our community.
Our family and many of our friends lift up thoughts and prayers for the victims of May 24th and their families. And we do so knowing that God is still in control and that his plan is perfect. And we thank the Lord for the life of the 21 and pray that God gives us eyes to see his plan and his purpose for their lives and ours.
