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For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
In light of the events of that took place last Friday in Connecticut, I find myself moved to share a few thoughts, links and scriptures that have given me hope. Although I have managed to stay away from all television coverage, I did read two news stories, one on Saturday, the other tonight as I felt compelled to know the names of the victims. I also read a few of my fellow bloggers posts who shared their hearts as we do here in this fellowship and community. I have tried to steer clear of the media with minimal pops onto Facebook as well.
I wanted to dedicate a post to the victims of Friday’s tragic shooting. I know there are many tragedies throughout the world. I do not mean to take away from anyone or anything but just to allow a pause and acknowledgement in this particular one. It seems so close to home, in many ways beyond geography and has gripped my heart.
Below are two fellow Bloggers who have have offered hope in their own ways.
Amy Sullivan shares a number of links that are helpful for those who’d like to offer hope/help: When You Want To Help The Sandy Hook But Don’t Know How
Wendy over at Saved Sister is coordinating a Blogger Day of Silence on Tuesday, December 18th and also attempting to raise money for The Newtown Youth and Family Services.
Also Moms In Prayer Connecticut State Leader, sweet Pat Kenney, has created a very helpful prayer sheet for her praying moms (but perhaps also for those who long to pray but can’t quite find the words or where to start)
I am grateful to belong to Moms In Prayer, and today I will be praying with other moms for our children, school and teachers.We will also be praying for the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School and the community of Newtown, Connecticut. Praying for hope to be restored to those who are feeling the hopelessness that comes in times such as these. Praying for hope to return for us all.
If you have passed this way today, will you hold up the family of each one taken in this tragedy?
Would you pause with me for a moment and pray for hope to be restored to their hearts?
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
CHILDREN
Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, (age 6)
Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, (age 7)
Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, (age 6)
Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, (age 7)
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, (age 6)
Dylan Hockley, 03/08/06, (age 6)
Madeleine F. Hsu, 07/10/06, (age 6)
Catherine V. Hubbard, 06/08/06, (age 6)
Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, (age 7)
Jesse Lewis, 06/30/06, (age 6)
James Mattioli, 03/22/06, (age 6)
Grace McDonnell, 11/04/05, (age 7)
Emilie Parker, 05/12/06, (age 6)
Jack Pinto, 05/06/06, (age 6)
Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, (age 6)
Caroline Previdi, 09/07/06, (age 6)
Jessica Rekos, 05/10/06, (age 6)
Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, (age 6)
Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, (age 6)
Allison N. Wyatt, 07/03/06, (age 6)
ADULTS
Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, (age 29)
Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, (age 47)
Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, (age 52)
Lauren Russeau, 1982, (age 29)
Mary Sherlach, 02/11/56, (age 56)
Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, (age 27)
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:21-25
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
Appreciate you for sharing this.
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thank you for this beautiful and fitting tribute. I prayed with you.
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Thank you for putting together this list. It moves the prayers more, I think, at least for me, to see and speak the individual names, and think of each anguished family…
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What a beautiful post. It's so heartbreaking. I'm not sure when something has affected me so deeply. Maybe because I've lost a child and know what is facing their families and community.I noticed your Less “one word.” That's the way the Lord is leading me towards for 2013. John 3:30 is one of my life verses.
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Amen…praying
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As a former first grade teacher, these sweet names, bring me to prayer.Fondly,Glenda
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Names. People. Loved ones. Family. Not just statistics of another terrible tragedy! Thanks for letting us see, pray for, & remember each little one. Thanks for UNITING today at richfaithrising, also for UNITING those remembering this solemn day.
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These are great resources, Dawn. Yesterday on my run, I thought about starting a prayer group at my kids' school. I'll look at the Moms in Prayer site. Thank you.
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Right here with you in the same weeping and prayers for these sweet little ones and their hero teachers and principal. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Amen.Thank you for all the great links and info…. and especially reading of God's truth and grace. xoxo
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Precious babies who meant the world to their families. Oh Lord, be near and comfort those who mourn!
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I tell you Dawn – this has just saddened my heart. I will never understand.
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Thank you for sharing these links, Dawn. So broken hearted here. It all helps.
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