Hope in Darkness

I believe that I join the majority of my friends and family in saying that this past weekend, my heart has been heavy. Heavy for the insane tragedy that happened last Friday in CT. Innocent lives taken. Lives forever changed. Mothers & Fathers wishing that they had one more hug from their precious little ones. Sisters and brothers confused and missing their siblings. A community lost in grief.

If you're like me, you held your children a little closer and a lot tighter this weekend. I found myself tearing up when Nickolas looked at me from across the room and said "Mommy, I want to kiss your face". Of course, I obliged....but it took me to those parents. The parents that wish they could have that one more kiss. I just can't even imagine what they must be going through. I have found myself not able to sleep at night, anxious about my kids. Fear for them, even in the next room. The last 2 nights, the boys have slept in our bed. It may seem silly to you, but it felt safe, warm, & snugly to us. I will hold them tight for as long as I can.

In the midst of this tragedy, my Pastor along with many others, have tried from the pulpit to encourage. Encourage us to look to Jesus for the hope that is within us if we have accepted Him into our hearts. So, what can we do in the middle of all of this grief, panic, uncertainty, and sadness? We can show others the HOPE that we have through Christ Jesus!

2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

So, how do we 'show light out of darkness'?? We, the Believers....the ones who know where those precious little ones now reside....in the arms of their Creator....we are the ones that should look up. Look to Jesus for the comfort that only HE can give in the middle of these trials. Show others the ONE that is inside us! After all, God's Word to the believer says...

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;"
We as believers know the HOPE. We know that one day there will be NO EVIL. There will be NO DEATH. The old will pass away and the new will come! In the middle of this chaos, we can look forward. Tell others about the HOPE that is within us so that they too can experience peace in the middle of darkness. There will come a day where we all will answer to our creator. The young man who brought darkness to Newtown, CT on Friday, has already met and answered to the ONE who created him. The innocent little children are now dancing on the streets of gold.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 says "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Sure, hug your children a little tighter today. Tell them that you love them. Make them feel safe. But, let us also stay strong in our Faith. Look to our Heavenly Father for Hope and Peace. He is also saddened by the misuse of the Freedom that he has given to His people. Let's cry out to Him. Cry out to Him for the loved ones that are left behind. Pray that those that do not know Him personally will be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. Pray for peace....for comfort....and while you are at it....pray for the family of the evildoer...they too need Christ.

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

And....SHARE YOUR HOPE!!!