GCR Women

Friday morning, a terrible tragedy unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut.  A young man entered an elementary school and killed 6 adults and 20 children.  As I watched, my heart breaking for those children and families, I kept asking:  "Why?" I have no answers.  Why does evil overtake a person's heart and cause him to do such a terrible act?  Was it some unknown hurt?  Was it mental illness?  I only have more questions. One day, we may know the answers to all our questions.  But in the meantime, our own shock mirrors to some degree the horrible pain and loss of those families.  It's said that time will help the hurting heal but how long?  Another question. When bad things happen, quick, simple answers sound disrespectful and insincere.  They often bring more hurt and pain and sometimes anger.  So I won't try to provide any answers. All I can do is choose to respond to this tragedy in some higher way.  There are things I can do:  pray for all those involved, be m

This December 1 st finds me in Colonial Williamsburg with my husband, John, fulfilling a dream both of us have had for some time now:  being present at the Grand Illumination!  The Grand Illumination is the finale of the festivities here in Colonial Williamsburg that signals the beginning of the Christmas season.  Every building, shop, and home is decked out with greenery and wreaths and candles in the colonial style.  And Sunday night, December 2 nd , the historic town lights the candles and sets off fireworks, filling the eyes of onlookers with joyous wonder.  Even those of us watching will try to reflect the light with glowsticks.   It will be like daylight.  I can hardly wait to see it for myself. How important light is to us!   We want our paths to be lighted for safety and clarity.   We want to be able to see where we’re trying to walk, see what we’re trying to read.   It’s the same with our spiritual lives.   We’re looking for illumination in our walk with the Lord, illumina