Mourn with those who mourn...

My heart is heavy this morning as I write down the name of another family in need of prayer at the loss of their child.  I woke up this morning and looked on Facebook to see so many requesting prayers for a family in Tuscaloosa who lost their son yesterday in a tragic accident.  My heart immediately ached for them and I prayed so hard for them before leaving for church.  I began to consider all of the recent stories of tragedy and loss that I became aware of through Facebook.  Facebook and social media get a great deal of criticism, but I realized this morning what a beacon of support it has become for those in need of prayer.  I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to pray for families, that I do not even know, simply because someone cared enough about them to spread their story...and their needs.  I am grateful that my "news feed" has become more of a "needs feed" that allows us to be there for others.  Prayer is so very powerful and I am encouraged that these families have so many lifting them up in prayer.  It is in these times that we must cling to what the Lord promises us, so that we do not become discouraged or full of fear.  As a new mother, it is very easy to fall into sin by worrying and becoming anxious and playing the "what if" game...but I am reminded that the Lord commands me, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

Praying for so many this morning who have experienced the loss of their child in the last few weeks and I will continue to "mourn with those who mourn"...