Today’s post is co-authored by my beautiful and precious daughter, Zoey.

In light of the recent tragedies, my heart and prayers of great weeping go out to all of the families who are suffering right now.  For those whose suffering is prominently displayed in the news and for those who are suffering alone.  There are many who are experiencing great loss and facing insurmountable challenges in their lives.

There seems to be so very many questions.  Tough questions.  Hard questions.  Longing for answers.  Where do we turn at a time like this?

There’s an old saying that great wisdom coming from the mouths of babes.  I have just recently experienced that for myself.

My daughter, Zoey, is seven years old.  She is a first grader.  She asked me what I was going to write about in my blog.  My response was that I just didn’t know.  I told her that I did not have words to write.  So she asked if she could help me.  Zoey had some words that she wanted to share.

What do you think people need to hear, I asked her.  This is what she said.

I think people need to know that God really loves them.  He wants them to love God and love people.  

It can be hard to remember sometimes, but He wrote it down in the Bible so we can look at it when our minds forget.   

We can even wear things like cross necklaces so that we can remember when we don’t have our Bibles, like when I go to school. 

God wants us to respect to our moms and dads.  They get to go through life first so they can help us. 

Pray when you are scared.  God always listens to everything you say.  He even listens to the bad stuff, but loves you enough to forgive you of that.  You might feel bad about it afterward.  If you feel bad, ask to be forgiven. 

That’s all I can think of right now, Mom.  But I think it’s enough. 

I am so humbled and so greatly blessed by my daughter.  She is definitely right.  I think that is enough, too.

Dearest LORD,

Thank You for this day.  Thank You for Your faithfulness.  Through it all, You are constant.  Though, we do not always get the answers that we want, we always get Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness, which we so deeply need!

LORD, I lift up to You all of the hurting, those experiencing the agony of loss and tragic grief, for those who are suffering all kinds of pains this holiday season.  May every one of us who is a follower of You, be reminded that we are the hands and feet.  May we be connected to You and open to Your will so that we may move when You ask us to.  

May we be open to really listen to the young ones placed in our lives.  May we remember what it is like to long for a listening ear and undivided attention.  May we receive the truths You so frequently deliver to us through them.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.