“After things pondered…

the dreams of a child,

the realities of an adult,

one thing remains…

HOPE

I’ve grown old enough to know that fairies don’t have tails

that good men often suffer while evil men prevail.

I’ve tried to find that white frame house with matching picket fences

but found instead black picket signs and hatred’s thorny fences.

I’ve lived enough of life to see the innocent maligned

and I’ve concluded fairness is a rarity to find.

I’ve seen the noble dreams of man be in an instant shattered

I sigh to see another woman used and bruised and battered.

I’ve seen shots of tiny orphans as rulers rise and fall

I’ve stood by stricken parents and caskets way too small.

I’ve abandoned childish notions that life is like pretend

I’ve tossed paper to the ground and sobbed, “When will this madness end?”

But I’ve never grown up quite enough to leave my hope behind

I’ll think I’ve turned my back on hope then bump into the kind

Of Gentle Traveler sent to bind my wounded faith with love

Who sets my feet upon a Rock and mind on things above.

Then I find myself still hoping old folks won’t be left alone

And can’t seem to quit believing Daddies still might move back home.

And that an orphan might just find a reason to survive

And parents of the missing might just find their son alive.

No, “I’ve never grown up quite enough to scorn sweet signs of Spring

Nor can I help but think a tree is happy with a swing.

And you must pardon if I hope The Pearl of Heaven’s Gate

Is the treasure I’ve adored and longed to celebrate.

I hope to hug the ones I’ve Loved and jump on cotton clouds

Where angels sing His holiness and saints can laugh out loud.

Some bedtime tales are worth the tell – May one be quickly due

Let Gabriel groom that great white horse and board Faithful and True.

So let this world’s prince mock and scorn My hope is NOT ashamed

For in the King of Kingdom’s grand My hope has found a Name.”

Faith – Knowing He can whether or not He does.

Hope – Knowing He will whether or not He has.

Love – Knowing He died whether or now we live.

(Beth Moore – Things Pondered)

This was the first thing I read this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the families in Connecticut. There are NO words that can express the heartbreak.