Regarding the shootings in Newtown, Conn.: I refuse to let a deranged man’s senseless actions send me into despair.
I refuse to “go there,” imagining how the victims’ families must feel.
I refuse to let evil win.
I refuse to have my children suffer as a result of my deep sadness over what happened.
I will pray for the victims, though I know they are doing fine in heaven.
I will pray for the victims’ families and friends, that they are comforted and find peace and hope.
I will pray for all of us who mourn, that we not torture ourselves by imagining “What if it were my child?” scenarios.
I will pray for the community of Newtown, the school, the first responders, the public officials.
I will pray for those with mental health disorders, that they receive the care and intervention they need, so that nothing like this ever happens again.
I will pray that I can be a light in this world, especially in these darkest of moments.