I have so many things I want to blog about right now (Gourmet Dinner Night for starters) but my heart is heavy and I just can't bring myself to blog about the silly right now.
I have to admit that I have cried on and off several times over the last two days thinking about the families in Connecticut who lost their dear children. I can't seem to shake the sadness in my heart thinking of them burying their children at Christmas time. Then, tonight, I came across this video called "An Unexpected Gift" on my friend Marta's blog. When I watched this video, I lost it. It took me back to how I felt two years ago with the events in my own life. While the circumstances were different, I still felt completely shocked and had the same experience of having to act like nothing was wrong for awhile. I totally relate to the woman's experience of feeling held by Christ and carried through her ordeal. Watch the clip here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpV4MIUrT9Y&feature=share&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0
Last year, it was Christmas time when Sam and I made the final decision to end our marriage. I remember sitting in front of our Christmas tree telling the kids that Mom and Dad had decided to get divorced. They cried in my lap and I cried with them. Yet, I was able to share with them that the Savior understood and would help us get through it. We talked about faith and hope and that Jesus came to earth not only to pay for our sins but to learn how to comfort us and carry us when we are in our darkest hour.
I have always been grateful that it was Christmas time when we were at our lowest point. It gave my kids something else that was fun and happy to focus on. But, more importantly, they learned why Jesus Christ came to earth. The Savior made good on his promise--He has carried us ever since. Here we are a year later..doing so well. My children are happy. Ryan still asks me questions about why we got divorced and what that means exactly. I don't have all the answers but I can tell him that Heavenly Father and Jesus love him just like his earthly parents love him and that everything will be okay. I hope that the families in Connecticut who lost their precious children can be comforted the same way as I was that Christmas.
May the peace and love of our Savior bring each of you hope this Christmas season.
13 comments:
I'm so glad you took time out of your busy day to write this. It was just what I needed to hear. I just know that Christ came and took those children away before they experienced the horrors. I know it. And I, too, am so grateful this Christmas for the blessings of the past year. Our Savior has made things right for you and your children.
I am with you babe. I cannot seem to shake how tragic this whole thing is, how sad these families must be and how awful it is for such sweet, innocent children who have no way of defending themselves be taken in such a manor. It is my deepest prayer and hope that these families can feel Our Savior's love during this difficult time. I cannot help but think of what perfect, celestial beings they are now! Angels who will now comfort their family and watch over them in such a dark time.
I had just left Quinn's kindergarten program when I heard and I just sunk after seeing all those silly, sweet kids sing about Christmas. I was paralyzed and couldn't do anything yesterday. I heard "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" in the car after, and it did comfort me a bit. Knowing who they were now with helped me find a teeny bit of peace.
Thanks for your story. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Brooke! What a sweet message about the true meaning of Christmas and the love of our Savior. Hopefully, in time, the families touched by this tragedy will feel the peace of a loving Heavenly Father. Thanks for your strength and example through the last year.
Beautifully said! What an emotional two days it has beenand I too am so grateful for the knowledge of God's plan of salvation and the source to whom I can turn for comfort and peace.
Thank you, Brooke.
This is a beautiful post with a true and strong message. I am so glad you are in a happier and more joyful place this Christmas.
I,too, have shed tears over this horrific tragedy. However, today my tears are for you, Brooke. And, they are happy tears. I'm so happy that you have found peace in your "new" life and that you and your kiddos are doing well. The Savior's love never fails us. The fact that you sought solace through Him speaks highly of your character and your priorities. May many happy years follow! Love you!
What a tough week. B and I have been praying for the little kids this week--it's so sweet to hear her ask Jesus to love, bless, and hug them.
I'm so glad you are in a great place. Your family is adorable, and your willingness to work with Sam has earned you serious karma points.
Merry Christmas to all of you--including that cute new boy of yours! :)
Great lesson on Sunday. Always love to hear you teach!
Beautiful post, Brooke.
That video made me cry, and I cry every day when I read about the Newtown tragedy. Sweet post, and I'm glad that you are doing so well now a year out from your divorce. It will be exciting to see what the next year and decades bring.
Loved this post. It is a good reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
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