By Kristen Entwistle
I came across this post from the Boston Marathon Bombings two years ago, and thought I might share it again today.
It may be time for bed, but I can’t turn my mind off. As I watch the explosion that rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon over and over on the television screen, I am reminded of the hurt that is in this world, the evil that is allowed to endure. But as I browse my Facebook news feed, I am also reminded of hope.
The bombs that went off today, no matter who set it up, no matter who carried it out, no matter why it happened, it is wrong. Wrong to take innocent lives, wrong to change forever others, wrong on a day which is so triumphant for so many people. The horrific events of today are lined right now by confusion, chaos, unanswered questions, sadness, and so much more.
But throughout my newsfeed, there is post after post about praying for Boston, from those who are Christians and those who are not. There are links upon links to stories about the bombs, pictures of people carrying the wounded, treating the wounded, helping those who could not help themselves. And there are links to massive posts on a Craigslist-like site, offering free housing to those visiting Boston tonight – couches, beds, food for those who have nothing today. This is the hope I speak of – in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy today, the race dedicated to the victims of the Newtown shootings – there are people who are opening their homes, their wallets, their hearts to those in need. There are the skilled hands of the doctors and surgeons who have been working tirelessly to help those who are hurt. There are the psychologists who are talking with people, counseling them through this time. There are runners who continued running from the finish line to Mass General to give blood. There are the firefighters, policemen, and race volunteers who have been working to keep people safe. There are thousands, dare I say millions, of people who are praying.
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.