Our prayers and hearts go out to all Haitians and thier loved ones throughout the world. I can’t even begin to fathom their pain but I do hope that very quickly they will know that they are NOT alone.
Sometimes we think that God brings such disasters or difficulties (which is an understatement) to teach us or warn us or strengthen us but I DO NOT believe that God wishes anyone, for any reason, any pain. I believe that life brings such things because it simple is what it is, and God’s action is to help us get through it - to bring life and hope and healing in the midst of the most difficult and painful times of our lives.
So, we will not wonder why God let this happen nor will we consider that God had some ultimate plan by doing so, but we will be agents of hope and life in the midst of it - God’s Work, Our Hands.
Please pray without ceasing for Haiti and all those who have lost loved ones, are searching and waiting for news of loved ones or who have lost homes, livelihoods and so much more…
Please consider giving money to help with emergency disaster response needs and longer term recovery needs - Lutheran World Relief is a wonderful agency that you can count on to be one of the first to respond and one of the last to leave when people are in need (find a link to Lutheran World Relief in the “Get Involved” tab on this website or go to www.lwr.org for more information).
To our brothers and sisters in Haiti, our love and prayers and hearts go out to you - you are not alone and may God’s presence fall upon you and bring you strength, hope and help in all the ways you so need it.
For many of us, Christmas time as a child is some of the happiest memories we have. There is something magical about the way that snow covers our yards creating mountains and caves where only months ago it was just bushes and grass. Houses being decorated and presents wrapped and placed under the tree invite children of all ages to look for something beautiful in the ordinary and expect surprises around every corner.