People from around the country stood with us in our darkest hour – in the wake of unspeakable violence, we stand with the people of Orlando.
Too many times we’ve turned on the news or read on social media about violence in one of our communities. This past Sunday, the people of Orlando were the latest in our American family to be caught in this all too familiar scene. Our hearts go out to the family members, survivors and first responders who have been on the front line of this tragedy.
Our resolve is as strong as it has ever been, WE MUST CONTINUE TO TEACH THE SENSELESSNESS OF VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM.
We ask ourselves what we can do to help ease the pain, and our answer is a simple one: LET ORLANDO KNOW WE CARE. That’s what the world did for us in the days that followed the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.
Please use the fields below to write your message of comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity and we will ensure the people of Orlando receive your message. And, as we have done in the past, we will expand the role of our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to serve as a forum for thoughts and condolences.#PrayForOrlando
As we learned so well 21 years ago, there is strength in solidarity.
Voices of Hope
- We share your grief and heartache at news of your loss from such indescribable violence. We can understand the numbing shock that is like a physical illness. In 1995, we lost our 37-year-daughter in the bombing of the building where she worked in Oklahoma City. A co-worker rode the elevator with her that beautiful morning, and told me her words of happiness: “I’m so glad it is Spring and I can plant my flowers.” We found Morning Glory seedlings growing in windows of her house. We send love and pray for God’s comfort for all of you who suffered such great loss or were injured. –Don and Sally
- Oklahoma stands with you in senseless actions performed by people that don’t value lives of others. Stay strong and allow others to help you through this horrible, senseless, and difficult tragedy! In these days of turmoil, I pray God will provide peace and understanding. –Jamee
- I was surrounded by quite a few individuals from Orlando when this news broke, so their pain was real for me. My prayers and thoughts have been with the entire community. And unfortunately, you have been rocked with three incredibly senseless acts in such a short period of time. It’s time to unite as a country, and I hope that you feel the love and support from all of us. Whatever faith you have, whether it be religious or not, I hope you can stand strong in it, and remember that there are far more good people in this world than bad. #OrlandoStrong #OrlandoUnited #IStandWithOrlando –Terese
- As someone who lost a loved one in the 1995 OKC bombing, my heart goes out to all the families of those lost in this horrific tragedy. But as the nation and world grieves with you, remember we must NOT let the terrorists win this fight. We must stand united and fight against the hatred that borne this violence and let those who committed this act of cowardice know we will NOT be defeated! We have not been destroyed, and we will NOT be defeated!!! –Geneva
- It makes me sick to my stomach to hear about this sinisterly malevolent act of both cataclysm and terror. I am further acrimonious at the fact that so many people that I love, friends, family, and students alike, have to live with a sense of fear just because of who they love. I firmly stand with the LGBT community. As long as two people love each other, nobody should discriminate any couple regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. It never bothers me to see lesbians, gays , bisexuals, or transsexuals (LGBTs) marry each other. In fact, I applaud them and admire their decision. #LGBTpride #loveislove #lovewillprevail #GodblessLGBTsforever –Andy
- As a survivor of the Oklahoma City Bombing 4-19-95, I know what you are going through. May your faith and the strength of knowing millions of people all over the world are pulling for you give you hope and comfort. –Maxwell
- Your pain and grief are palpable, and we here in Oklahoma City know your pain. We share that pain. It has been 21 years since the bombing here, and when senseless acts like this occur, our pain comes back in full force. We understand your shock, disbelief, denial, depression, and justifiable anger. While all of this may not help you heal, I hope it helps to remind you that you are not alone in your sorrow. Evil and hate won’t win as long as the strong spirit of this nation rises up and says “Enough”. OKC had “enough”, and our community rose together from the ashes into a strong city that holds each other up. Black, white, red, yellow, gay, straight, fat thin,…..we are one, and we are here to help you up. You are carried on the wings of our prayers. We know firsthand that God will hold you, love you, comfort you, guide you, and NEVER leave your side. Just let Him! May you know that you are loved, and that we weep with you. –Melissa
- I am sorry for the traumatic violence that has happened to you. My heart hurts for you. –Sharon
- So very sorry for this senseless loss of loved ones, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. –Cheryl
- As a poet I pray for the peoples of the World every day. As a frequent visitor to places of tragedy you are in my prayers. God Bless. –Victoria
- Deeply saddened to hear the terrible news from Orlando and I’m so sorry for your loss of loved ones. The hatred and violence exhibited is senseless. I totally understand how devastating it can be for my dear brother was killed in the Oklahoma City Bombing. No words can comfort except to know that your happy memories can be a positive point of remembrance of your family member, your friend, your neighbor. Unexpected and violent death is not easy, but we are America and we have fine people who will continue to defend and guard us so others will NOT get away with this kind of criminal act. May God bless each one with His comfort and peace as you grieve for the losses. Love one another and take care of each other; we are in a time of uncertainty but there is a God in heaven who made us all. –Jane
- Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you all! –Anne
- Our hearts go out to all the families whose loved ones are now gone, and to those who are wounded and their families. Also to those who survived with no or minimal injuries, but who have seen far too much bloodshed. And to the whole community of Orlando, that will be dealing with this for a long time.
Know that you can grieve, and eventually heal, on your own timeline. Find what works for you in dealing with this as the days go by, Stay close to each other and find comfort with your friends and families. Find comfort and hope in whatever faith you may have. Find constructive outlets for your anger or feelings of helplessness. And know that you have support in Oklahoma and in the USA, and indeed from around the world.
–Dennis - Oklahoma City knows what it is like to lose loved ones unexpectedly and in a tragic way….that is why we can understand your shock, pain and grief. We all want to ask”why?” but there is no good answer. But there is healing in standing together despite violence to hold and support and cry and pray and to remember. We will never forget the 168 killed 21 years ago in America and we will never forget your loss in Florida. Together we stand and together we become stronger. We must show, tell and teach everyone that hatred and violence never help and should never be justified or normalized.
–Gayle - Praying for Orlando. Rise above the senseless violence.
–Beth - Your loss & grief are unspeakable. Our prayers are with you. –Tiana
- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Allow yourself to feel and see the love that surrounds you in this tragedy. We will continue to pray for you. –Jane
- Suffering….no matter how multiplied is always individual. Please know that the wounds of this have touched people everywhere and our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. –Ellen
- Our deepest empathy and support. When the days are dark and the storms seem to last forever, remember, Brighter days will come. –Gerri
- As it was 21 years ago, so it will be now: We unite behind the victims of senseless violence. As one touched by the Oklahoma City bombing, I share your pain. My heart hurts for the victims, families, friends and community of Orlando. –Victoria
- Prayers of healing and strength to all affected by this brutal act of terrorism. May God bless all who were involved. –Michael
- Praying for peace and comfort for the victims, family members and the entire Orlando community. Know that we stand behind you.–Ande
- Praying for the citizens of Orlando this week, especially those directly affected by the act of terrorism on Sunday. Your families, friends, and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers this week. –Becki
- We continue to pray for you and yours as we sympathize with your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional pain. Oklahoma / Oklahoma City can understand your pain. Being a survivor who was gravely injured in the OK. City Bombing I feel a deep sense of empathy with you. Be assured this was not an act of GOD! This is insanity, evil on many different levels as we found out in OK. City. This is man being his basest self. We can however work with all y’all to bring healing, comfort and hope to your city, your state and our nation. A final thought……….FORGIVENESS is of utmost importance. NOT forgiving traps you in a world of bitterness and anger. I KNOW! I was there. We must forgive. However we will never forget. If you have the opportunity, form groups and work with each other to comfort and console each other during your journey of healing and recovery. May GOD pour His comfort and peace upon those effected by this brutal savagery. –Randy
- As a survivor of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the AP Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, I am standing at the ready to assist survivors of this horrific event. The survivors tend to be forgotten in the shuffle, so please feel free to contact me for any assistance I might lend you. While we all deal differently with trauma in our lives, and we all are affected differently, I can say that I understand where you’re going. I’ve been there, and am willing to help you heal. God bless each of you as you enter this phase of life called healing. –Dot
- Our hearts are broken with yours. We pray for God’s mighty healing hand to cover you and uphold you during this tragic time. We ask for His peace to be with you. The United States of America is behind you! United we stand against hatred and those who would perpetrate such a heinous act. Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. –Debbie
- As a survivor of the OKC Bombing, my heart goes out to each of you and the families. I especially feel for the survivors and witnessing such devastation. I send prayers your way and just know things do get better and surround yourself with people that love and support you. –Audra
- My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Orlando. Sending love!! –Sarah
- We Oklahomans know firsthand what you are facing following such a horrible, senseless act. As a relative of one who survived the Oklahoma City tragedy and a friend of several who did not, I want to assure you that millions of Americans are supporting you in loving thought and fervent prayer. –Lisa
- We are all God’s children. Our work is to add to the life, love and light of each person, not to take away. My heart aches for you. From a person that cares. –Carol
- Thoughts and prayers to all who were affected by this senseless tragedy. We will never forget! –Kellie
- Condolences to all families affected by this. My prayers for everyone touched by this horrible act of terrorism. –Cheryl
- As a Survivor of the Oklahoma City Bombing, I sent my thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of victims of those wounded and killed in the Orlando shooting. One person, an American citizen even, can hurt so many people without feeling the consequences and I wonder why? We can wonder a lot of things, but keep the faith that more good outweigh these unfeeling people. Praying for comfort for all of you. –Mona
- As a first responder on April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City, the main lesson is to take baby steps in your recovery, talk to someone when needed, DON’T HOLD YOUR feelings in. Allow yourself to cry, because your either going to cry on the inside or on the outside. Have faith! One day at a time….#PrayForOrlando –Tony
- As a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing, I have seen first hand how acts of violence impact individual lives and communities. My condolences to the victims, their families, and their friends. To the survivors, let others help you. Express your sorrow and anger. But feel the love and support from your community, the country, and across the globe. Give that love back to others. Stay strong. –Susan
- I stand with you in love! My prayers are with you! The nation grieves with you! –Suzi
- My heart breaks for your loss. I have prayers going up asking for peace and comfort. God bless all the victims and their families. –Peggy
