Friday morning I was too distracted baking cookies for my kids’ school events that I wasn’t aware right away of the horrific and tragic shootings that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. I had sent my own children off to school without any sort of fear that something might happen to them. After all, I was covered in flour on their behalf.

When I saw the news, my heart broke. Shattered. A thousand thoughts went thru my head of the terror that occurred that morning, and the grief that followed for the shocked families, never expecting to send their children to school without having them safely return at the end of the day. And praise for the teachers who heroically shielded their kids and tried to usher them to safety.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around this tragedy, especially knowing so many of the victims were so young and vulnerable. And the only thing I can do for comfort is turn to God. Because I know this for certain: God loves the children. And even though we mourn and we feel pain, anger, sorrow and confusion, those little spirits have been lifted up to a place more glorious than my mind can even fathom. Those children will never feel fear or terror or pain or sorrow ever again. And when I begin to consider their joy, it helps to ease my aching heart.

A lot of people want to know what they can do. We want to do something or say something that can help with the healing. And here is what I would say to that: Pray for healing and comfort for the victims’ families, friends and community, first and foremost. You can also make a donation to support the families and you can find that information by clicking here.

Something else you can do in light of this tragedy: Make amends that need to be made in your own circle. Don’t go another day without saying I’m sorry or saying I love you if those words have been neglected. And show kindness in your community. Even one single, small act of kindness can have a ripple effect to others. Let the memory of those who perished in Newtown be the reason you spread some much-needed love in a broken world. God bless you.