A Grieving Heart

I am a mom. So the news that has come out of Connecticut today has hit me hard. I can't stop tearing up when I imagine the scene. Distance-wise, I am quite removed. Emotion-wise, I am grieving with the families and friends.

This is supposed to be a magical time of year. A time of celebration. The carols tell us, "Joy to the World!" This morning, as I got ready to go have lunch with my son at his school, I put on a jingle bell necklace and earrings to match. I thought, "How can I pretend to be happy in the midst of such tragedy?" I didn't want my son to know what's happened. He's too young to fully comprehend the evil involved. And he's a natural-born worrier. He doesn't need that on his shoulders.

I made it through lunch. It was hard not to hold onto him the whole time. But upon returning, I saw a Facebook status that helped. "Jesus is holding a lot of kids close right now."

That reminded me of the true meaning behind the song "Joy to the World!" We can place our trust in Jesus and have joy through His promises. I am clinging to that today. I'm finding my joy, despite the heartache. None of this surprises God. He's still on His throne, and He will have His day.

Join me in praying for the families who have experienced such terrible loss. Let us remember not only the ones who are going through it, but those who have experienced similar situation and are perhaps reliving the terror. Let us also remember the first-responders who have to deal with this nightmare.


"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4