Praying for Those in Boston Marathon Explosion

“At 6:15 a.m., ABC News’ Boston affiliate WCVB reported the 8-year-old victim has been identified as Martin Richard. A single candle was placed in front of his home overnight in Dorchester, Mass.”

Candle light (Photo credit: Alesa Dam)

Tragedy will not leave us, because of the times we live in. We must be prepared to cry with, pray for, love on and get involved with tragedies in other people’s lives as well as our own.

I was a teacher for special education children, and I saw many children die because of their conditions. I think this is the hardest thing to face, watching a child die. Even when you see it coming and know it is inevitable, it still does not prepare you.

There was a little boy in my class, who had a degenerative disease. Eventually, he had to come to school on a stretcher. I was singing a little silly song, “Jimmy Crack Corn,” to him everyday. His eyes would light up each time I sang that song to him. Treasure your children, love them and encourage them, and sing little silly songs just made for them.

He was 4-years old when he died.

There was nothing that I could say to comfort his parents. I could only put my arms around them and tell them that they would get through this. Pain does have an end, but we need to allow God to heal it. My heart and prayers go out for the families of those that were hurt and the 8-year boy that was killed.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3