Heroes and Horror

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" ~Fred Rogers

We have had another incident of horror -- of terrorism, whether domestic or foreign, by group or an individual. We mourn. We worry. We hold our children close.

Whenever there is horror there are heroes. The country song "Don't Ever Sell Your Saddle" reminds us that "you will know a hero from a coward when you see which way they run." Plenty of people ran the right way yesterday -- toward the injured.

I have never run a marathon. I suspect, though, that it is more than exhausting.  You can't have much energy left when you are done, especially if running is a hobby rather than a full time gig.

Dr. Vivak Shah, an amateur running for charity,  had just crossed the finish line when the first bomb went off. He couldn't have been in the best shape at that moment, but he stayed and cared for victim after victim.

I am sure that the workers in the medical tent wanted to get out of there, but they stood their ground and got to work. They were prepared for pulled muscles and dehydration. Severe trauma was not on their radar screen. They had to improvise, and they did.

There were policemen, firefighters and ordinary spectators who lifted, carried, comforted and calmed those around them. People nearby offered water, blankets, food and rides to displaced runners who were carrying nothing and wore only shorts and singlets.

Some runners and watchers ran to hospitals to give blood.

Yes, there is horror. We have seen some of the worst evil people can do.


We've also seen some of the greatest good they can do.



We shouldn't forget either.


God grant us wisdom, hope, peace and justice in the days ahead.