as i sit here in my comfy chair writing this blog post, my cat is softly purring while curled up on the back of my chair. except for the christmas tree lights, my living room is nearly dark. and directly across from me, my daughter is asleep on the couch. it is quiet and peaceful in my house, and i am truly grateful for that.
for most of the weekend, rather than feeling full of christmas spirit, i have been instead thinking of the tragic events in connecticut. senseless, tragic, horrific. all those words come to mind.
i’ve had to purposely quit watching the news. i just cant take the gruesome statistics about which kind of gun and what kinds of wounds. and now the arguments about gun control and laws and freedoms. it’s just too much for me. and regardless of which side you’re on or what you believe, the simple fact is that we are all coming from the same place – fear. because once again, we have come face to face with evil.
i think i speak for alot parents (grandparents, etc.) when i say that a VERY big part of me would like nothing more than to keep my child safe at home and never let her out of my sight again. and yet I know that’s not the answer. she has such a light in her eyes and so much beauty in her heart. what we could use more of in a world that has so much darkness.
it’s hard to fathom so much hatred and darkness in a person’s heart that the only solution would be to inflict that darkness and pain on others. it leaves the same pit in my stomach as i felt after the OKC bombing and the September 11th attacks. it asks the same question…why.
i am not a theologian or a biblical scholar, but i have a strong faith. and i believe in a good and loving God. a God loves me so much that he sent His Son for my salvation. it is in this simple affirmation of my faith that i have found peace this christmas.
tonight i continue to pray for the families in connecticut (and all those that are suffering) and ask God to bring them comfort and healing.
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
peace, kelly
So beautifully written Kelly, and beautiful thoughts. We’re all giving away alot more hugs and I love yous today.
Amen!!
I will add my “AMEN” too!! Your words are so true! We cannot live in fear of the evil in this world, we must trust our God! This horror has reminded me to take extra time, give extra hugs and tell my family “I love you” a few extra times!!
I shall add my AMEN also. I watched the prayer vigil last night when the President spoke, it brought tears both in my eyes and in my heart for it brought home to me that no matter how old your children are, you feel the same about them as when they were little ones. I can’t protect them from all the heartache and pain that comes with life, I can’t protect them from the evils that living in an imperfect world bring, I can only hope that my parenting efforts were enough to instill love, faith in God, truth, justice and a sense of self worth in them so they can find their way in this earthly life and subsequently to their heavenly home. May God have mercy on us all, and may He fill our hearts with His Peace now in this time of terrible sorrow for our neighbors in Connecticut.
Amen from me too, Kelly. And love out into the world.
oxox Pam