Terror in Norway...

He was dressed as a policeman and told the children he was part of the security detail. He was there to protect them...

Witnesses say the suspect called on the children on the island, aged between 14 and 18, to gather around him. Then he opened fire. Police said he used automatic weapons and a handgun.

The Pope's message:
Pope Benedict expressed sympathy on Saturday for the victims of a suspected right-wing zealot who killed up to 98 people in a shooting spree and bomb attack and urged Norwegians to reject hatred and violence.

In a message to Norway's King Harald, the Vatican said the pontiff had been "profoundly saddened" by the attacks in the government district of Oslo and on Utoeya island northwest of the capital.

"His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI offers fervent prayers for the victims and their families, invoking God's peace upon the dead and divine consolation upon those who suffer," a statement said.

"At this time of national grief he prays that all Norwegians will be spiritually united in a determined resolve to reject the ways of hatred and conflict and to work together fearlessly in shaping a future of mutual respect, solidarity and freedom for coming generations."

Having worked with young people for 15+ years now, I don't know how to speak to this...it hurts my heart to think of the death of those innocents...May God have mercy and send His comfort to those who mourn...

Tears...

I just started reading a book that was recommended...it's called "Chasing Francis" by Ian Morgan Cron...

Sometimes books start off with a bang...sometimes they take a few chapters to draw you in...on page 24 a child has died...I read..."Maggie ran her fingers over the outlines of Iris's knobby legs, limp and quiet beneath the white sheets, and whispered, "O child," as though her child had only bumped her head and run home to mama seeking solace. It was a keening that could make the universe bow its head in sorrow and accord."

Oh my...the tears started falling. Although I have experienced the death of loved ones...mostly they have been expected and inevitable. I have never had to face the loss of a child of mine. I do no know that I would have the strength to continue if I had to let one of them go...or the extraordinary grandchild that shares our home.

It has been many years since I've heard the word "keening"...but at that moment I felt it. Sometimes an author has the ability to make you feel...for better or for worse. Or perhaps this was God getting my attention. Whatever the reason, it felt as though my own heart were breaking for a child in a novel.

"Dear Lord, please be near those who have suffered such loss. Give them strength and courage but most of all your tender love...help them through the dark days. But also, dearest Father, give those of us blessed with healthy, vibrant children a heart for those who have lost. Keep us open and ready to reach out and hold them when they need us...forbid us from turning away because it is too hard to put ourselves in their shoes. Amen"

#ChasingFrancisSpeakEasy