Originally published Tuesday, 16 April 2013.
There are certain events that take place that can’t be summed up in human words or understood by human minds.
I think as I was growing up, they felt less common.
The world seemed a little brighter, a little happier and a little safer.
Maybe I was just younger then and a little more sheltered from the “bad news”.
Or maybe this world really is a little darker; a place where another terrorist attack seems like second nature.
As I heard more and more details about the Boston Marathon tragedy yesterday, I felt completely sick to my stomach, much like I felt on September 11, the day of the Newtown Connecticut shooting or the recent mass stabbing that took place in Texas.
My twitter feed and Facebook timeline began to fill up with feelings of outrage and bitterness towards those who conducted such horrific actions and had the nerve to do something so tragic.
While I am not saying that my spirit did not feel some bitterness and disgust towards those who could ever carry out such intentional harm, I also knew that amongst the tragedy, there was good news.
As I watched more news coverage, I was reminded of something.
There is good in the world, too.
The minute that this event happened, police officers, firemen and army officials ran towards the explosion.
The residents of Boston filled the streets eager to assist all those who needed a helping hand.
The restaurants around the area were offering the runners free food, shelter and a place to charge their phones and call their loved ones.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-blast-help/2086273/
Here is a link that displays so many acts of overwhelming kindness and selflessness.
The immediate response to those around this scene was not hesitation but rather, courage.
Other people’s lives were at stake and that became first priority.
While I feel like such events seem to mark our history more frequently and the value of life seems non-existent to some, I am reminded that to others, it means everything.
Evil has always existed and unfortunately, it always will.
Because we live in a fallen world where people misplace their identities and will do anything to receive the spotlight, there will continue to be tragedy.
However, there will also continue to be heroes.
My heart is still grieving thinking of those who were killed and their families who must move forward, as well as those who are suffering with injuries and wounds because of thoughtless individuals who had and have no concern for humanity.
My mind still does not understand the events that transpired yesterday. After all, I do not believe we are meant to understand such evil.
But I do know that I want my eyes to focus on the heroes rather than the villians.
I do know that in the midst of terror, we do not have to be afraid. We live in the world but we are not of it.
Evil exists, but so does good.
We can not let all our time and energy go towards thoughts of bitterness and confusion, but rather towards gratitude and appreciation for the ones who survived, the heroes who came to their rescue and the God who continues to provide another day for us all.
I will be on my knees praying for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy, but I will also be raising my hands in praise to a God who always overcomes evil with good.
In honor of those affected by the Boston Marathon events, I say we all run the great race of faith with greater endurance, zest and thankfulness than we ever have before.
To all those who had the courage to even partake in the race, you are our heroes.
To all those who were killed in this tragedy, you are our heroes.
To all the families who are suffering right now, you are our heroes.
To all those courageous individuals who ran towards the smoke and not away from it, you are our heroes.
To all those who lent a helping hand in any way, you are our heroes.
To the civilians and leaders of Boston, you are our heroes.
To those who continue this investigation and seek for justice, you are our heroes.
To those who will have to move forward in the race of life with the past reminders of this tangible race on your minds and hearts, you are our heroes. And we salute you.
As the news coverage and stories continue, I hope we are all reminded that while tragedy, terror and villains exist, heroes do too.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” –Hebrews 12:1-2
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” –John 17:16
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