I know yours is too.
And I really have few words. How can words adequately describe, comfort or lend any kind of meaning to the horrors we witnessed in a small Connecticut town today. To those who've been touched by the tragedy, I am so so sorry. We are here for you.
You are in our hearts. Our prayers. Our thoughts. Our tears.
Tonight I leafed through a book I've had for years, written by a precious old friend - I saw it sitting in the back of my dusty bookshelf, and I had to pick it up. Just to look at the cover. And I was reminded that my Jesus knows the pain and confusion and numbness of loss. He feels it with those who grieve. With those who cry. And he weeps with them. When Jesus walked this very earth, He too tasted the bitterness of death. And he cried. Just like you and I do. When his dear friend Lazarus died,
"Jesus wept." -John 11:35
I know He weeps again tonight.
And every moment, every day - when every kind of pain, death and disappointed loss is suffered.
I dearly recommend reading this book if you desire perspective in grappling with the loss, pain, and suffering we face in this very broken place we live. Find it here
Sweet friend, run to Him in pain. In the pain all around us, and in your own personal secret heart's pain. We all experience it. Take it to Him. He loves you. And He weeps with and for you.
I love the last lines from the book:
"He loves you. He loves you so, so much. And the day will come when you will look Him in the eye, and all the things that don't make sense will simply disappear in His overwhelming and undeniable goodness. He'll wipe away every tear that day. He'll take you by the hand and replace all of your mourning with a dance of extraordinary joy." -Bruce Marchiano
Resting between His shoulders,
Erin
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
//Psalm 34:18
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
//Psalm 73:26
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
//John 14:27
"Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
//1 Peter 5:7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."
//Proverbs 3:5-6
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
//Matthew 11:28
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
//Psalm 18:2
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
//John 16:33
linking up here
Thank you for the encouraging words, sis.
ReplyDelete*hugs & love*
Ashley Danielle
alwaysashley2012.blogspot.com
Ahhh friend... Such a good reminder. I know I needed it. Oftentimes, we are able to praise God in the joyful parts of life, but when tragedy hits, I think it's all too easy to remember that God' heart is breaking even more than ours. Love you friend!! So thankful for you and your heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat references! I always turn to Psalms when feeling in despair. It has everything. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin. This very thing was greatly bothering me last night, Thanks for sharing those encouraging words and bible verses.
ReplyDeleteLots of hugs,
Lauricia
Erin this is beautiful. The verses you posted at the end almost brought me to tears, after reading your post. God is so kind to us, and such a refuge in times of trouble, pain, loss, and confusion. Thank you for writing this post!
ReplyDeleteYes and amen. Thank you for putting words to our grief Erin. Blessings!
ReplyDeletethank you so much erin... I needed those scriptures so much in my own life right now love ya :)
ReplyDeleteit is just such a sad story!! i can't even imagine what those families must be going through. i heard that people in their neighborhood feel bad about celebrating christmas after what happened so some of them are taking their decorations down. i just don't understand how someone could be so cruel to children
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, friend.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to all those dealing with any pain and distraught because of this tragedy.
Love you!
those are such good verses, especially for people who are suffering. I always love that verse and love picturing God being close to the brokenhearted and saving those who are crushed in spirit.
ReplyDeleteGod is the only one who can mend a broken heart. I know that He will heal the families in Connecticut and give them all of the love and comfort in the world. My heart and prayers go out to them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing those great verses!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting these verses. I put several of them in the cards I sent out for the Condolence for Newtown event.
ReplyDelete20160421 junda
ReplyDeletepolo outlet
hollister
cheap jordans
cheap nba jerseys
ghd flat iron
lululemon sale
louis vuitton outlet
michael kors outlet
nike tn
fitflops sale clearance
lacoste shoes
converse
nike store
jordan shoes
michael kors bags
toms outlet
adidas nmd runner
coach outlet
reebok pump
burberry outlet
adidas shoes uk
puma shoes
reebok classic sale
michael kors outlet
running shoes
levis jeans
nike trainers
nike huarache trainers
kate spade outlet
fitflops
ecco shoes
oakley sunglasses
polo ralph lauren
hermes uk
michael kors outlet
supra for sale
yeezy boost 350
coach outlet
nike free runs
michael kors outlet online