Sandy Hook Elementary

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Since hearing the devastating news of the events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary, my heart has been grieving along with the parents and families who lost their loved ones so unexpectedly. I am sure many of you have also struggled with hearing heart-breaking stories of survivors or heroes that emerged that tragic day. Their very personal stories make the tragedy so difficult to reconcile: the little girl who wanted to wear her new Christmas dress to school, the hero teacher, the little boy who wanted to be a cowboy but will never be opened the gift of boots from under the Christmas tree, the principal, the lone survivor - a little girl who played dead by covering herself in blood and laid down next to her peers... it goes on and on.

No parent or child should ever have to feel vulnerable and scared about a place where children should be the safest - a place where they go everyday. I found myself wondering, how could this have happened? How could God let this happen? But, my mom reminds me; we are not to question His doing. Instead, we must focus on how to help these children understand, and overcome the trauma that has become their reality.

I get a renewed sense of happiness and joyfulness when I hear about how the nation is reaching out and supporting the families involved in Sandy Hook. A Sandy Hook Art Relief Fund has been put into place and already raised over $3,000 and still growing!

www.indiegogo.com/SandyHookElementarySchool

This fund will be collecting donations through March. Please make a donation to this fund so children can start expressing their feelings in a safe place, surrounded by loving, supportive and most importantly, SAFE adults. More importantly, art provides children with mental stability and helps them gain understanding and peace with the trauma they faced. Because the shooter's motives were driven by an unhealthy mind, it is important that the children involved do not suffer the same type of “obsessive violent behavior” because of what they witnessed first hand.

The shooter was descried as being “too fond of firearms, in love with them…” “Addicted to violent shoot ‘em up video games,” and had a history of violent behavior. Now, I am not saying all video games are bad, but parents, as you wrap up your Christmas gifts this year, keep the events of Sandy Hook in mind. Should we really be teaching our children that gun, blood, and killing is nothing more than a fun game? Video games are not all to blame for this event but just think twice... that’s my advice. Children’s minds are molded very young and very quickly. We need to teach them respect, compassion and love for their neighbor. No more violence, please.

“Lord bless these children and their families. May your presence surround them as they grieve. Let the parents rest their minds on the image of their little ones sitting around the feet of our Lord in heaven, celebrating a very Merry Christmas, and the birth of our savior. Fill their hearts with happy memories of the ones they lost, remembering the joy their angels brought to them while they were here, visiting earth.”

God Bless you all, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas surrounded by the ones you love and cherish. Don’t take this year for granted.
 
All my Love,

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012