innocence and faith

i remember being taught to ride a bike like it was yesterday.
i remember spilling over the handle bars and hitting the curb.
i remember being taught time and how to give change.
i remember sitting on the living room floor with plastic pennies and paper clocks.
i could never get it right...
i remember laying in the snow on my back under the street light as the flakes would hit and melt on my face.
i remember the snow at night and the scattered jackets and winter scarves, hats and gloves trailing up the steps.
i remember sitting on the frame of my bed with an over-sized fan and listening to the distortion in my voice as i would speak into the spin of the blades.
i remember touching each of the medal spokes to remove the dust.
i remember holding my brother as a baby.
i remember opening the door to his room during is naps and just staring at him, silently hoping mom wouldn't notice and he wouldn't wake.

i have a lot of memories. memories of being a child. innocent. wide eyed and naive, the world at my feet. my parents watchful eye never too far behind.

this past weekends horrific events have made those memories more vivid. more special. and i, i am more thankful for each and every one.

they say to pray.  i find that prayer is always the answer and asking for strength and grace is the only question. prayer for me is difficult because i have not seen it answer how or better yet why? however, when tragedy or trials and tribulations show their face, there always seems to be prayer. it is constant.  it is through God, scripture, or faith that we gravitate towards. always. there is something to be said for the power of prayer and the words of the Lord whether it is something that is part of your daily routine or not. for me, i find that faith is something i cherish however, through worldly mindset and living in the "flesh" i find that it is easy to let "faith" or God out of what most end up returning too when they are weak or in need, as i'm fairly certain most Christians do.

so, with that said, may this serve as a reminder to pray as well as give praise, for life is tough and terrible things are everywhere.

no one has the answer and there will be plenty that will have their own. in a world of social media filled posts, tweets, rants, groups and raves,  it is only natural that that would be the case however, through it all.... the theories, the politics, the finger pointing and reasons why... i personally find it important to remember my memories. hold on to them tighter than i would have before. remember the things i can praise God for. the memories that those parents and i know all parents have and will always cherish of their children.

so remember the innocent questions, the lessons taught and more importantly the lessons learned. the world can be an evil place, as it has shown it's face in its darkest form...but, through it all...there will be beautiful memories and things to be forever thankful for. may those families find grace in the most difficult of days. i know that there is not a single parent, or child that does not share in the sorrow that they will continue to endure and may prayer, and praise for everything beautiful be a constant for each and every one of us.