My children have never known a world without war and probably never will.

They will never know of a time when you could get on an airplane without pat downs and screenings.

In our town a majority of the kids have one or both parents in the military.  They worry about whether their parents will come home from Iraq/Afghanistan.

They live in a world where we look over our shoulders wondering if someone around us is a terrorist.

This is just the normalcy in the world they live in. 

It should not be the norm. 

My heart breaks for the town of Newtown, CT.  I cannot even imagine the nightmares those children, parents and teachers/administrators will face because of that terrorist.

When I saw the videos of those little kids, the same age as my own, with tears streaming down their faces it made my heart hurt.  Looks of confusion and disbelief that veiled the innocence.  The pictures of teachers trying to keep calm and get everyone out, it made my stomach turn.  This could be my kid's school.  It could be the schools my sister and sister in law teaches at.

I was working at my children’s school when I heard the news of the school shooting.  As a parent, I immediately wanted to find my kids.  I knew they were okay, but I just wanted to see them.  I wanted to give a hug to every child that I came across.  I wanted to assure them that they are safe.

But that’s not the world we live in.

My only assurance is in Christ.

Every morning, I place them in His hands because that's all I can do. 

Each morning before they leave for school, we hold hands and pray.  We pray for their safety.  We pray for their bus driver.  We pray for their teachers and we ask that angels are all around their school.

While today’s events would make many of us want to keep our children home or if we had to let them out, bubble wrap them and have them wear Kevlar, I’m reminded of the scripture that gives me strength,  2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 

My prayers are with the families, school, and people of Newtown, CT. 

 

This is the song that came to my mind when I heard the news today.  I hope this every one's prayer.