When senseless violence takes those we love, when cruel death strikes childhood's promise down, when wrenching loss becomes our bitter bread, we know, O God, you leave us not alone. When unexpected crises shatter life, when those with loathing all their hate impart, and grief becomes the fabric of our days, dear God, you do not stand from us apart. Our faith may flicker low and hope grow dim, yet you, O God, are with us in our pain; you grieve with us and for us day by day, and with us, sharing sorrow, will remain. Because your Child knew agony and loss, catastrophe and grief and scorn and shame, we know you will be with us, come what may, your loving presence near, always the same.