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I saw this picture yesterday on Facebook and thought it beautifully simple and profound. What Mr. Rogers has to say is plain truth. Amid tragedy, and terrible circumstances there are always good, kind people there to pick up the pieces…lending a helping hand and providing a stable shoulder to cry on. It is amazing to watch, isn’t it? There are definitely still so many “helpers”.
In light of the Boston Marathon Bombing, I felt it best to save the recipe I had prepared for today’s post and share a little something else instead.
This is a book I read last week.
“Let It Go” is about a man (Chris Williams) who lives here in my city. Seven years ago his pregnant wife and two children were killed in a car accident by a drunk teenage driver. From the very night of the accident he chose to forgive the boy who was responsible for taking the life of his family members. I have been fascinated by this story from the time I heard reports of it here in the local news. How could any human being have the strength to forgive so quickly, and freely! It was a surprise to me, as I would imagine it to be to most people.
In the book Chris gives detailed explanation. He testifies of Christ and the blessings of forgiveness. While his road has not been easy, his choice to forgive has made the challenges of loss much easier to bear. Instead of embracing anger, hate or revenge he let go of those natural feelings and has taken hold of love, kindness…forgiveness.
I mention (and recommend) this book to you all today simply because, the world can be such a terrible place. There are plenty of reasons to be angry. Seeing innocent people become victim to senseless terrorism is so frustrating! Most of us shake our heads with the words “why” rolling over and over in our minds. I haven’t ever been able to come up with a sufficient answer to that question. Have you? I don’t know why these things happen. What I do know is, I want to be one of the “helpers”. I want to choose love and kindness. I hope to follow Chris Williams example of charity.
You can watch a video on the Mormon Channel called “My Burden Was Made Light” about Chris and his family. Click here, or on the picture above to see it.
I would love to give a copy of “Let It Go” to two of you dear readers. To enter just leave me a comment below telling me something good! It can be an act of kindness you have witnessed. It can be something sweet your child did or said. It can be something good you would like to do for someone else. What ever you choose. 🙂 The giveaway will be open through Sunday night (April 21st). Winner will be announced Monday morning (April 22).
My family and I are praying for those of you effected by the terrible Boston Marathon Bombing. May you feel the love of God supporting you during this difficult time.
My Sunday school class collected 6 soccer balls and mailed them to my cousin’s family in Texas where they are collecting 260 soccer balls to send to a school in Ethiopia that teaches children from age 3 to 3rd grade. Smiles will be priceless!!
Your blog brought me such peace this morning. First with the Mr. Rogers quote and then Chris Williams. Thank you for this.
I, too, appreciate the “helpers” that Mr. Rogers reminds us to look for in the face of tragedy. This weekend, my community will have a supper to raise funds for the Quilts of Valor, a program that makes quilts for those in the military. I am not a seamstress at all. I much prefer my time in the kitchen. But I admire when people use their God-given abilities to make a difference for others – whether that’s taking a meal to a grieving family or sending a quilt overseas and giving a little reminder of home to those who keep us free. I’d love to read the book. Thanks for the opportunity.
I too am having to learn to “Let it Go” after my mother was killed while trying to leave my step father.. the man I called Dad. He has never asked my forgiveness nor does he want to see me but in order for me to move on I have to let go. Thank you Jamie.. I find great comfort in the kitchen and yours is my favorite food blog, I’ve been a follower for years and have my daughters looking to your blog when they are searching for something to make for their families as well. YOU are my good thing 🙂
btw… we made your cream cheese stuffed strawberries for my daughters bridal shower Sunday.. Oh my gosh.. they were the hit of the party.. everyone that asks for the recipe I gave them your website. Awesomeness!!
My husband (voluntarily) getting up with the kids this morning. Thank you for this!
I am having the pleasure of helping out a friend who’s husband was in a car accident. It has been such a pleasure to help someone else. I also love that it is teaching my children to help others.
So 2 months ago a friend posted to her fb page that her and her sister were on the phone when all of a sudden her sister said she had to go,her roof had just came off! So she just simply asked if we could pray for her because her insurance didn’t cover wind damage, over half of her roof had come off, so I suggested that if we all could pitch in anything we could afford to give or felt God told us to give than maybe it would be at least a start to getting it fixed, I prayed and felt god told me to send $300, my husband was out of town and was not able to ask him, but I continually prayed and I felt this is what God told me to do, so got a card and cash and sent it anonymously…
I love to see daffodils and tulips poking through the snow. It’s a reminder that life cycles. Things change, and if we push through and hang on we will get the sunshine we are waiting for. You are a classy lady Jamie. Thank you for sharing this story.
I just love the snuggles I get from my three beautiful children in the mornings. It is the best way to start each and every day. The days that time gets pushed to the side are not nearly as rewarding as the days when we take the time to snuggle in the morning. Love my family!