“All God’s Children” ♥ Dona Gelsinger
As we all struggle to come to terms with, and comprehend, the atrocity that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary, there are likely to be calls for new laws and safeguards and political reform. But, while each petition may hold its own merit, I think that right now – perhaps more than any other time in our nation’s history – the most important thing that any of us can do is pray.
I cannot begin to find words to discuss what happened or ideas to imagine how to move forward. This tragedy is so much bigger than words, ideas, so much bigger than any of us – the massacre of twenty little children, mostly between the ages of six and seven, nearly ten days before Christmas… there is absolutely nothing for any of us to do but fall to our knees and pray.
In honor of the Sandy Hook victims – both the children and the adults, who devoted their careers to caring for and educating children – I’ve compiled a list of scripture verses. May God bless the victims and their families with peace and comfort.
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10)
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:14)
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22)
*Updated December 16: During a national press conference held December 14, the President referenced Psalm 147:3, citing the need to:
“…heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds.”
During a prayer vigil held for the victims on December 16, the President referenced 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 2 Corinthians 5:1, reciting:
“Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.
For light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all, so we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven not built by human hands.”
Before honoring the names of the deceased children, the President quoted from Matthew 19:14:
“‘Let the little children come to me,’ Jesus said, ‘and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”
♥ Charlotte, Daniel, Olivia, Josephine, Ana, Dylan, Madeline, Catherine, Chase, Jesse, James, Grace, Emilie, Jack, Noah, Caroline, Jessica, Benjamin, Avielle, Allison ♥
♥ Dawn Hochsprung, Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, Lauren Rousseau, Rachel Davino, Anne Marie Murphy, Nancy Lanza ♥
Well said Jessica! Way to speak up for the little ones
Thanks Bell… I meant to include this link with the article: If anyone’s having trouble dealing with the tragedy and needs someone to talk to, please contact the National Center for Disaster Distress. #LittleOnes♥
Amen, neighbor. You are so right. Thanks for the encouragement to fall to our knees.