Sandy Hook

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I spent the weekend like so many others did: glued to the news, refreshing the websites every hour, watching every interview, every commentary. Along with the rest of the nation, I am horrified at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and at a loss for how to process it.

I took a long walk on Saturday, and another on Sunday. I prayed for the families, and found myself taking deep breaths, thinking of those who must feel like they can barely breathe. I poured over the victims’ names, and recited them over and over in my head: Charlotte, Daniel, Rachel, Olivia, Josephine…  I thought of my friends who have buried their children in the past, and how we’ve wished that no one ever experience that pain again.

I listened as pundits along with everyday Joes spouted their opinions on gun control, mental health, and policy change. When I walked around the Cherry Creek Mall on Saturday, I felt nervous. I saw a security guard, and stopped him. “Thank you for being here,” I said. He smiled and patted my shoulder.

We need Christmas – not because of the happy feelings it evokes, or the distraction, or the sentimentality. We need Christmas because it’s the only hope that we have: a baby born into darkness, a Father giving up his Son so that when parents lose their own children, it isn’t the end of the story.

Until then, I’m heartbroken.

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6 Comments

  1. Ginger on December 17, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Yes. Heartbroken. With hope.

  2. Emily from Seattle on December 17, 2012 at 3:21 PM

    I’ve been struggling for days to put into words what I wanted to say about this in my own blog. Something about reading yours sent things in the right direction finally. Thank you!

  3. mom on December 17, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    I love you, Annie. Your heart is so tender, and you are pointing us toward the truth. It isn’t the end of the story. amen

  4. Michael Rhyne on December 17, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    I second your mom’s emotions…I love your tender heart. I cling to the same hope. When Love is Lord over heaven and earth, how can we keep from singing?

  5. Joey on December 18, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Amen.

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