Loss of any kind is hard, but when it comes to your elementary child in a needless shooting at their school, it is beyond understanding. The world is in shock over the senseless slaughter of 20 innocent elementary students in Newtown, Connecticut and 6 staff, when a deranged gunman stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday, December 14th. There are no answers.

In a season where we sing “peace and good will to all men,” one of the worst mass crimes has been committed on the innocent. National discussions have begun. Questions are raised on how to prevent this from ever happening in our world again. Children caught in the middle of any battle, or war, make for heavy hearts and gripping news stories. But when the war zone is your quiet backyard where the normal routine of school lunches, activities and classroom learning was taking place, no one could have prepared for such an intruder, who had no value for life. I would imagine that any answer, or conclusion to the murder’s motives, will be far from believable or conclusive. After all, he even murdered his own mother first! How do any of us pick up normal life and move on again?

I understand the cries for national discussions on gun regulations, security, mental health and a compromised culture. Movies, video games, internet outlets and a society where life is devalued are merely a backdrop to the violent act our nation has experienced. Shouldn’t we also add to the discussions allowing God back in the center of our communities and prayer in our schools?  Are ten wise and simple commandments really that threatening?

We are outraged by what we have seen. What have we chosen to overlook?

Sincerely, our hearts and prayers are with the people of Newtown, Connecticut. We grieve your loss. May the God of Comfort and Hope embrace you as you mourn your dead.

In moments like this life takes on new value and each day more important.  Hugs, words and memories help in the aftermath and shock of innocent lives taken suddenly with no thought of its impact on our society. Homes affected and families grieving in irreconcilable tears long for the eternal hope of seeing their child again.

 May you be comforted as you weep. We weep with you.

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!