Tragedy Strikes

We listen. We watch. We cry. We pray.

It doesn’t matter why or how, we just know someone with no heart and no conscience has hurt innocent people for no reason at all. Our hearts are broken for such senseless loss.

God, why do things like this happen? I ask, in hope of comfort, even though I know the answer.

God gave us, as well as those who have evil running through their veins, the gift of free will. Free will is simply the freedom to choose. We choose to love, or we choose to hate. It really is that simple.

Yes, we all have the opportunity to choose our path in life. Some, for reasons I will never comprehend, choose the path of destruction.

It’s been one week since the senseless murdering and maiming of so many innocent lives in Boston. Most have gone on with their lives, while others are still riveted to the television news stations.

A young man lying in a hospital bed has ruined the lives of countless others as well as his own. We watch the news in hopes of knowing why. We want, no, we need to hear us, and those we love, are now safe.

We now have a choice, we can continue searching the news for the peace we hope for, or rest in knowing, for this moment, we are indeed safe.

Prior to His arrest and crucifixion, while speaking to His disciples about the evil in the world and the outpouring of love from God to those who trust in Him fully, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Jesus makes it clear; tragedy and evil are part of life on earth, but He also tells us, we have peace in Him.

How do we find this peace in and amongst the negativity surrounding us? We focus on the positive we see all around!

Instead of focusing on the one or two evil people, we focus on the hundreds of others providing help and comfort.

Did you notice in the news footage the dozens of people running toward the trouble? Let us focus on them for a moment. While many were simply too scared to do anything other than run for their lives, others were empowered with an incredible sense of urgency to help.

Military men and women in Boston, either on leave or stationed nearby, were running in the marathon. Running together, in formation, carrying our American Flag, they were very close to the finish line when the bombs exploded.  They immediately leapt into action to help those hurt and trapped in the stands.

Off duty police and firefighters did the same. One off duty firefighter was said to have called home to tell his family he was okay, but not to expect him home any time soon. His help was needed.

Off duty Doctors and Nurses headed to area hospitals immediately after hearing of the extensive wounds. Were they called into work? No. They just went where they were needed without being asked.   

Many civilians with no other thought than to help their fellow man also leapt into action. One scene in particular that stands out in my mind was of a woman helping a man hold his bleeding arm up over his head while they walked toward an ambulance. Her simple act not only may have helped save this man’s life, but the comfort she gave him, I’m sure, meant more to him than he was able to express.

Without regard for their own safety, all of these people had one thought pulsing through their minds; “my fellow man is in need of help, what can I do?”

Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Luke 10:27

The next time you turn on the news and see the horrific scene of when the bombs exploded, please refocus your attention on those showing the love of God, by doing their best to help their neighbor.

It is, and forever will be my belief, that God shows His love for us as we love one another.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the love You show us by empowering us to show love to one another. We pray for peace, comfort and healing for all impacted by such a senseless tragedy. May we be a source of comfort for others all the rest of our days. In the matchless name of our Lord, Savior and Friend, amen.

In His embrace,

    Toni