No matter how histroy or the media will refer to the attack on Boston the day of the infamous marathon, it was an act of terror. As of this writing, no entity has claimed credit but there are two suspects. Inflicting death and fear on innocent, unsuspecting people gathered for a celebratory event is terrorism - even if it comes from within our own country. The very definition of terrorism is to terrify. And that it did. Not only those present, but with the images we continue to see repeated around the world, we can all be terrified. We can all cry for what has destroyed lives and families in a country that is supposed to be great. Great and safe.
As I visited articles on the web, I was forced to see photo after photo capturing the hundreds of stories and conditions of the victims. At first I was sickened at the sight of so much blood. So much destruction. Faces captured writhing in pain or stunned in shock. It is a horror that has only begun the first chapter in what comes next for all these people. And our nation.
But as I tapped through the pictures something else became clear. For every one person on a stretcher or collapsed on the ground, one or more passersby or neon-vested emergency official was also there. It wasn't just one person pushing a gurney toward an ambulance, it was a handful! There is a photo of a half-dozen police men unholstering their guns at the sound of the second explosion. There is a picture of a woman laying face down on the sidewalk with a man who had thrown his body over her.
No one was alone that day.
The city had prepared. When the unthinkable happened,the emergency plan was enacted and the officers, troopers, emergency crews went to work. They were aided by regular people. The ones on the side lines and the ones in the street. Everyone worked together instantaneously. That gives me chills and restores my faith in human nature.
God was there in the midst of the blood and debris and horror. He was there under a vest, in a wheelchair, in a blanket. In the arms of a stranger helping another stranger. He was already there before the marathon started. He was with all the contingency planners and emergency training. Our runners were never alone. He was there when three innocent people lost their lives. He was there while other people lost their legs. He was there as every piece of metal hurled itself into unsuscepcting bodies. He was there with each turn of the ambulance wheels racing toward emergency rooms.
He is there now, comforting the families and nursing damaged souls and bodies. He is there now as law enforcement agencies work round the clock to unearth every detail about those responsible. He is the hands and equipment being used to bring healing.
He doesn't wear a bright neon vest or carry a sign, so we can't always see him. But we can always see evidence of him. Just like one season transitioning into another. He is always here. Evil happens, but it is not more powerful than God.
Seeing those determined faces of bystanders and emergency workers affirmed to me that God is good.
Many people were hurt that day, but many more remained safe. Many people who didn't know each other before the marathon are now being helped and prayed for. That is the testimony of God's goodness.
It was supposed to be a fun day that gave participants bragging rights. Instead it became another day we will never forget reminding us that we cannot take anything for granted. It can also become a day that reminds us that God never leaves us, not ever.
What would I tell kids? Aside from limiting their exposure to repeated media images...That help was there in the midst of horror. That God was with every single person and that no one was or is ever alone. In the happy and sad times God is God. God is bigger than evil. Goodness and evil are not equal. Goodness is greater. God did not cause that horror, he rescued it. Just like he rescued us through his Son Jesus Christ.
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