I remember how it felt when things kept going from bad to worse with my daughter. Drinking too much, abusing drugs, refusing treatment for bipolar and repeatedly punishing herself with ruthless cutting incidences, each of her hospitalizations left me weaker and weaker. There weren’t enough tears to get out all the pain. There wasn’t enough sadness to express my sense of loss.  Over the years I’ve talked to many parents who feel the same way. Maybe that’s you.

“My heart hurts so bad it feels like it will break.” “I don’t think I can take it any more.” “How will I survive if things get any worse?” “This is killing me.”  Parents with broken hearts, we think this way.  We need a break. Some relief. Something to give us a little peace. Some serenity. Beautiful photography does that for me. And soothing music.  So here are a few of my favorite photos for your heart. I hope it helps. At least a little.

Take some deep breaths and relax.

Father, Creator of all this beauty, minister some comfort to the hurting moms or dads who will look at them. May these nature scenes take them to a place of release. Give them a mini-vacation in their minds. And most of all, give then hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

 As you trust in Him, so that you may overflow

 With hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13)

And book that can bring you more peace is: The One Year Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie. It’s full of devotionals for every day of the year written by a mom who’s suffered great loss – the death of two children.