In response to Sandy Hook

I have spent the afternoon processing today's events, praying, loving on my children. I still do not have words to comprehend the depths of the tragedy in CT. My prayers and heart are with those who have lost loved ones. I find comfort in the reality that God the Father knows exactly what it feels like to lose a child, not just because of the death of Jesus, but because all those children killed

are His too. I am reminded of the words in 1 Corinthians 1:3-5:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."

Heavenly Father, as we seek to understand the reasons behind this tragedy, please comfort those who are experiencing unimaginable pain, sorrow and loss this evening. Surround them with love, your love, spoken in the hugs, tears, touches and support of friends and family. Comfort them in the days, weeks and months to come with Your abiding presence, Your restoring word and Your eternal hope, a hope that reminds us that death is not the final word and evil is not the victor. Lord, while we struggle to understand how this could happen we take courage from Your comfort that we are not alone and they are not alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Amen