This weekend was tough. At church yesterday, a special memorial was prayed in memory of each person who was killed in the school massacre last Friday morning. As our priest said the name of each child and adult whose life was taken, an overwhelming grief filled the air. It was tough. Yet, at the same time-I knew I was right where I needed to be, praying for the victims and families involved. I needed that and so did the few hundred people that packed out our church yesterday.
Everywhere I go, I get a sense of mourning. People are doing their best to move forward, but we’re all still in shock.
The ripple effect of agony has traveled far and wide all over this country.
Right now, it’s a time to lean on each other. Give your spouse extra hugs. Comfort them when they need it.
Be aware of how much you let the news media into your daily life right now. I am a news junkie, but I have to give myself a time limit so I don’t spend too much time reading about every detail.
Be careful not to tune your family out, while you’re tuned in to every twist and turn on the developing investigation of the shootings.
It’s okay to let yourself mourn. Just make sure you are turning toward your spouse as you go through this. Let them comfort you.
Check up on them. Send a text message letting them know you’re thinking of them. Remind them of all the things you love about them.
Light a candle and say a prayer together for the victims. Something about lighting a candle is comforting. It warms your heart and reminds you of light burning into the darkness.
And don’t despair, because there is always hope.
“No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.” -George Chakiris
