When thoughts & prayers just don't seem like enough

The horrifying tragedy this morning in Newtown, Connecticut has stunned our nation and the world. The idea of frightened children running for their lives to escape such unimaginable terror is something I can barely imagine, let alone grasp as the reality unfolding today.

"I saw policemen -- lots of policemen in the hallway with guns," one nine-year-old witness recalled. "The police took us out of the school. We were told to hold each others' hands and to close our eyes. We opened our eyes when we were outside."

Let's come together to send our love and prayers to the victims and families impacted by this senseless act of violence. By the peaceful grace of God, may their chilling grief be eased and their hearts opened to the warming love of their neighbors.

Let's hold each others' hands, close our eyes and let God guide us through.