Yesterday I bought tickets for my little "R&R" trip to Colorado in a few weeks.  Colorado represents serenity, peace, calmness, hope, "God moments,"wonderful memories and a sense of "Going home."  I lived in Colorado from the ages of 12 to 31, which represent some powerful stages of my life.  I graduated from Columbine High School in 1980.

This morning I read some articles about the tragic shooting at the Aurora movie theatre.  It is so easy to feel overwhelming sadness over the events of that day and then move on.  But that day changed so many lives forever.  I was reading an article about a young woman that was shot in the neck and abdomen and lost her six year-old daughter.  And now, she has lost the baby in her womb.  She is also facing paralysis and a"lifetime of care."

So many people's lives were changed...victims, family, friends and even strangers.  When we see someone with a disability we have no idea what their story is or what the events were that lead to their situation.  In addition, we have no idea what the story is behind any person, whatever their ability is.   We all have to walk in grace and extend it to those we meet.

As I continued reading about the Aurora tragedy, a beautiful song came to mind.  If I could say anything to the broken hearted in Colorado, it would be this...

You'll Never Walk Alone
R. Rogers/O. Hammerstein II


When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark


At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark


Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown


Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone


When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark


At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark


Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown


Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk


You'll never walk
You'll never walk alone.


May our friends in Colorado feel the depth of Christ's love and the support of people throughout the nation.