Prayers and practices for traumatic news events or a natural disaster

by Rev. Traci Smith

When I was an elementary student, the Challenger space shuttle exploded. In college, the Columbine Massacre happened. Then, soon after graduation, 9/11/2001. Each of these traumatic news stories affected me differently at different stages of my childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Though there are heartbreaking stories of violence and death in the news every day, there are some that seem to be too much for the soul to bear.

On December 14, 2012, I experienced my first traumatic news event as a mother. It was the day a 21-year-old man went on a shooting spree in a public elementary school, killing 26 people—20 of them children. On that day, and for many days afterward, the only thing I wanted to do was to be with my children and to hug and kiss them and to protect them.

This ceremony brings parents and children together at a time when a traumatic news story has affected the family. The beauty of this activity is that it gives children a space to talk about their feelings if they want to, but it does not demand that they speak at all. It also helps children to feel safe, protected, and sheltered.

“[God] will cover you with [God’s] feathers,
and under [God’s] wings you can hide.” (Psalm 91:4a, NCV)

Designed for Ages 6+

Download the PDF excerpt from Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home