A CHILD WHO WILL GROW UP LONGING FOR A FATHER SHE WILL NEVER KNOW Look at this innocent child. She is too young to understand why her father is no longer beside her. She cannot understand why other children will run into their fathers’ arms, feel their warm embrace, and hear them say, “My child, I love you,” while she may never experience that beautiful moment. Her father’s life was taken by terrorists, leaving behind a little child who will grow up with an empty space in her heart that no one else can ever truly fill. One day, when she is old enough to ask questions, she may look at her mother and ask, “Mummy, where is my daddy? Why is he not here to carry me? Why can’t I see him like other children see their fathers?” What answer will her mother give her? Will she have the strength to explain that her father was killed, or will she break down in tears, wishing she could somehow bring him back for just one more embrace? Imagine a child growing up with her father’s picture instead of his presence, memories instead of moments, and stories instead of the love she deserved to experience. She will never feel his hands holding hers as she takes her first steps. She may never hear his voice encouraging her when she is afraid. He may never be there to wipe away her tears, celebrate her achievements, or walk her down the road of life. The most painful part is that this innocent child did nothing wrong. She never hurt anyone. She never chose this life of sorrow. Yet, she has been left to carry the consequences of a violence she could never understand. How can a world that claims to value humanity remain silent while innocent children are robbed of their childhood, their security, and the love of their parents? How many more children must become orphans before their cries reach the hearts of those who have the power to act? How many more mothers must cry themselves to sleep? How many more families must bury their loved ones before innocent lives are protected? The Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Today, we pray that God will comfort this child and every other child who has lost a father or mother to violence. May the Lord become their defender, their comforter, and their source of hope when the world seems to have abandoned them. But prayer must also move our hearts to compassion and action. These children need protection, love, care, and a future where they no longer have to live in fear. No child should have to grow up asking why their father never came home. No mother should have to explain a death that should never have happened. No family should have to bury their loved ones because of senseless violence. Please, when you see the suffering of these innocent children, do not look away. Their tears deserve to be seen. Their stories deserve to be heard. Their lives matter. May God remember every father who died leaving behind innocent children, every mother crying in silence, and every child whose heart has been broken by violence. 🙏 Lord Jesus, please wipe away the tears of these innocent children. Give them strength where there is pain, hope where there is despair, and love where violence has left emptiness. Let justice prevail, and let peace return to our land. Amen.

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