This week has brought such horrific and sad news to our community. A fire in a neighboring township cost the lives of seven children, ages three months to eleven years old. One child, age three, escaped. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, and members of the Westboro Baptist Church (not affiliated with any known Baptist conventions or associations) announced that they will be in attendance staging a protest spewing their hatred. It is ironic that a young man from a a different nearby community, was killed in action while serving in the military, and the same group held a protest at his funeral. The father of the young man took the matter before the United States Supreme Court and last week, in an 8-1 decision, the Court upheld that group's right to protest at funerals under the First Amendment. As difficult as this is to swallow, we must remember that thousands of lives have been lost to protect and uphold this very same Amendment, the privilege of freedom of speech.
On another note, I am so very thankful to be able to tell you that my daughter, son-in-law and all of the military stationed in Okinawa, Japan are safe and have been accounted for. Lots to be thankful for.
Thank goodness Tammy. The scale of devastation in Japan is appalling.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think it would be wonderful if we removed our "belief blinkers" and were able to walk in another's shoes.
Your card is beautiful and gives me a sense this evening that there is beauty in our lives every day.
Hug those you can this weekend.
I'm so pleased to hear your family is safe. Your card is truly lovely on this sad day.
ReplyDeleteI love this beautiful card of hope, Tammy.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering in this difficult time of devastation and loss.
Beautiful card Tammy. So glad your daughter and family are safe.
ReplyDeleteLynn
Glad to hear your family is safe and praying for all. Beautiful card Tammy!
ReplyDeleteI am sooo glad to hear your family is safe, Tammy!!! There is so much sadness in the world, today...I can't imagine how anyone can add more pain and suffering to a family already suffering so terribly. It's too bad the protesters don't channel their energies to help people in need...anyway....thanks for lifting our spirits with your creative genius, your card is gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your family is safe! Great card and love that butterfly!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteyour card is GORGEOUS...and yes, I read about that family losing their home and children. :(
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your son is safe.
What the heck is the nature of the protest, anyway?
So so glad your daughter and family and all of our military at Okinowa are safe. Yesterday must have been terrible for you. How long did it take to find out they were safe?
ReplyDeleteThose protestors are just plain sick. Anyone who has that much ugliness inside has to be. Anyone who causes hurt and pain to another human being is NOT doing the work of God. I just wonder what is going on in their sick minds to make them think they are servants of God.
Prayers go out for the families of those poor children lost in the fire. I can't imagine the pain.
Prayers to all of the children and their families.
Tammy, this card is just GORGEOUS!! LOVE the musical note background and the stunning butterfly!!
ReplyDeleteI do not know what to say about the rest of your post. I saw the tragic news on TV about the children (praying and crying) and sometimes our world is beyond understanding to me...I wish peace and love to everyONE in the world. Wonderful news about your daughter and son-in-law..blessing and special thanks to them!! HUGS