The Flame Within

I can only imagine the emotions in this moment. The deep grief she must be feeling—having lost her husband—and the overwhelming weight of standing before an amazing crowd that came to mourn with her. Her strength reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom, who after surviving the horrors of a concentration camp, faced the soldier responsible for her sister’s death. She admitted, “I am unable to forgive in my strength…. I can only do this with the strength of God living through me.” In the same way, I see a woman leaning not on her own strength, but on God—the only One holding her up right now.

As I look at President Trump, I can’t help but wonder what he is feeling in this embrace. He knows the fragility of life all too well—just over a year ago, he himself was shot, and this scene could have easily been his own memorial, with his wife and children in her place. Yet on his face I see something layered: grief for her loss, compassion as if she were his own daughter, and a deep, righteous indignation that such evil left her without a husband and their children without a father.

There is also a quiet strength in him that shows through in this picture. His embrace doesn’t just comfort—it protects. It’s as if he is shielding her, holding her close so she won’t collapse under the weight of grief. I can’t help but think there may also be a sense of guilt he carries—not because of anything he’s personally done, but because of the unrest, violence, and lack of peace that has swept through our nation. With that comes an overwhelming sense of responsibility: to protect her, to protect others, and to do all that is possible to keep this kind of evil from happening again.

This picture captures the raw emotion of the day—grief, compassion, strength, protection, and righteous responsibility all mingled together. It is a reminder that in moments of deepest sorrow, God alone sustains.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

🙏 A Prayer:

Lord, we lift up President Trump and the leaders of our nation. Give them wisdom, courage, and compassion. May this heartbreaking moment not be wasted, but used as a turning point to bring healing, peace, and unity back to America. Guard their hearts against fear, strengthen them with resolve, and guide them with Your truth. Let righteousness, justice, and peace prevail in our land once again.

We also lift up Erika and her children. Surround them with Your presence and comfort. Hold them close when the nights feel unbearably long, and remind them that You are their refuge and strength. Provide for their every need, mend their broken hearts, and let them feel the nearness of Your Spirit in the middle of their pain.

Blessings and Healing for our Land,

Crystal