I found the story below very touching, timely and inspiring, especially against the backdrop of the recent tragic happenings at Virginia Tech in the USA, where 33 souls perished. Let us remember in our prayers, the families of all who have lost loved ones through violence around the world. O that the nations might beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruninghooks!
May we unite against all forms of wickedness and violence both at home and abroad! Parents, try as much as possible to keep any games, toys and movies that encourage immorality out of the reach of your impressionable children. Spend more 'quality time' with them. Give them your love. Do not lose your children to the triple evil of: peer pressure, drug & alcohol addiction and gun culture. Let us lobby for stiffer gun control. Let us nip the problem in the bud when and while we can. The home is the frontline against the war on terror. Leaving it to regulators, teachers and the clergy, is allowing it to grow and spread. Before you know it, it will be too late. Education begins at home!
Shabbat Shalom!
The story and hymn is quoted verbatim from:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm
"This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth."
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul...
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
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