Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Boston Heartbreak

With the rest of the nation, I watched in horror as the events of yesterday's Boston Marathon played out on TV. 
I was instantly thankful I had not taken the kids to see the race.  It was the first year that I had considered it.
I searched faces--just in case I knew anyone.
I worried about friends that I knew were planning to go.
And prayed.

I found myself grappling with anger. 
I uttered, "Jerks," and "idiots," under my breath, which made my kids look at me and say, "Are they bad, Mama?  Do you hate those bad men?"
And then Zoey said, "NO!  We are supposed to love our enemies and pray for them."

Gulp.

I didn't want to love them.
I didn't want to pray for them.
But I heard myself agreeing with her and telling the kids to pray for their enemy.

I'm trying to do it.
I could pray one of those prayers that King David prayed.  You know...the ones that say, "May his children be fatherless..."
I'm guessing that is not really what Jesus had in mind.

As to whether or not the creep(s) were successful in terrifying anyone long term.... don't bet on it.
I do not live in Boston but we go there for medical treatment for our 'heart' kids.  It's a beautiful city with a small town feel.  Lots of old buildings from Revolutionary war days, pretty brick buildings with ivy growing on them, etc.  Since I go there...I feel it is a little bit 'mine.'
And I'm mad. 
Bostonians are mad. 
Violated. 
And ready to show the person/people who did this that they will not be forced to live in fear.
Ever.

I am tempted to thump my chest and say something defiant but I am reminded that God is the ultimate answer to this situation.
He knows when each of us will die.
He protects us and cares for us until the day He decides to call us home.
There is no reason to live in fear.
No matter what is happening around you...God has the final say and you are completely safe until the day He calls you.
So live in victory.  Live life to it's fullest.  And trust God.
Make sure you know Him so that you are ready for anything.
If you don't know how to know Him, I would be happy to share that with you.  Just leave a comment and I'll contact you.