It seems quite obvious that the people of Oregon are united in concern this week over the disappearance of 7-year old Kyron Horman. The second grader went missing from school on Friday morning following a science fair. Dedicated law enforcement officials and search and rescue volunteers have been looking for the boy ever since. Like so many others, I pray for his safe return.
As a parent, this is the worst nightmare. This is why you keep your eyes on your children in the front yard, in the park, at school, at church, or at the pool. We shouldn't let fear of such horror rule our lives but we should be prepared and make sure that our children know how to respond to danger.
The Center for Missing and Exploited Children has information on their website for parents on how to keep kids safe. This afternoon I spoke again with our girls about what to do if strangers approach. They've heard the lesson before but 5-year old kids need things repeated. I encourage you to read and use the materials with your own children.
As of yet we do not know any of the circumstances regarding Kyron Horman's disappearance. His parents and the teachers may have done everything right and yet this terrible event still occurred. We cannot control everything, sadly, and that makes us - at least me as a dad - feel somewhat powerless against the world at times like this.
Regardless, I will keep praying for Kyron and his family. Not because I believe that God, like Superman, will fly to the rescue, but because I believe that God hears our prayers and can be a source of both comfort and strength - and Kyron and his family, those looking for him, and all Oregonians - need comfort and strength right now in abundance.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present* help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. - Psalm 46:1-3 (NRSV)Amen.
