The weight of the why- sad in America tonight.

The news was shocking.  I was at the mall with Shayne and my Mom when Rex called me. About the time I hung up the phone, I saw her.  The lady at the table across from me was reading on her smart phone.  Her face told me she was hearing the same horrific news.  She looked up at me, as if we'd been friends forever and told me there had been another shooting. Kids.  Small kids.  She asked why and bowed her head.  

"And in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on Earth I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song. Of peace on earth goodwill to men.

Then rang the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on Earth goodwill to men."

My niece posted the above excerpt tonight as I was searching for words of comfort.  In times like this, I go to the Bible, God's word which I believe to be the source of truth, peace, comfort, and hope.  When life gets too hard and scary and out of control, the word and songs based on it's truth is the only thing that seems to bring comfort. 


Tonight I'm overwhelmed with sadness.  For the mommies and daddies and brothers and sisters.  And the teachers.  And the family members.  And their friends.  And the first responders.  And the pastors. And the survivors. And the strangers in CT and across the states who are now coming together as if we've known each other forever to support this town. 

The pain of loosing a child is too great for us to understand unless we've experienced it.  I think I can imagine it, but the truth is I can't.  So, we do what comes natural, we hug our kids a little tighter tonight, walk in their bedroom a little more often than usual and whisper I love you over them.  And then, we pray - crying out to God to comfort everyone whose lives are forever changed as a result of today's evil.

Is there still hope to survive another day when they weight of the why seems more than one can bear?
Yes. 

When we don't know why, we can know God.  

He alone is our hope and in the midst of tragedy may we find peace in knowing that HE IS still God.           
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) 

Praying for Newtown & America tonight,