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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.
Text i sent my daughter recently: Mom problem 257: Sitting at my desk crying due to listening to a taylor swift song. ha ha. It was the song ‘best day.’ It is about just the simplest things of daily life that we enjoy. The Boston tradgedy has even made them that much sweeter.
As I watched the videos and looked at the photos of the bombing at the marathon, my heart ached for all of those people and their families. One thing I couldn’t help but notice was the number of people that immediately stopped to help those in need. I am sure they had no idea if anything else was going to happen. How wonderful it was to see the comfort and care given by so many and see that there is still so much good in the world!
I agree with the post from Roni…. God is good!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3 : 5
My son got a great grade on a test that he really studied hard for. On Sunday I get to honor my son’s Primary teacher at church with the “greatest teacher award”!
My son’s squeal of delight when his sister is home from school and he realizes it is Friday and she will be home all weekend! I love seeing how kind and great she is with her brother!
Getting a great big hug (unexpectedly) from my 5 year daughter and having her tell me that I am the bestest mommy ever!! Made my day!!!
My mother moved in with our family the end of December. It was a forced move in because she was diagnosed with Acute Myleod Leukemia and need help with her care. She is responding well to her treatment but she will continue to need our help with her care. Her home in Idaho has been vacate for the last 4 months with most of her belongs still there. My sweet husband took 3 days off work, traveled to Idaho, packed up a good part of her things (with a lot of help from her good friend and neighbor and my mom’s nephews) and currently is driving all of these things here to help her adjust and feel at home with us.
I went to visit a dear old lady friend of mine with my toddler and baby. She has been having a lot of health struggles and I talked to my daughter about her being sick and having owies. She has been praying for her and telling everyone about her sweet “Grandma Nina”. It’s so sweet to watch.
When my heart is heavy and my burdens seem more than I can bear, my children make everything seem better. I marvel at how they can do that just by existing in my life!