Today started as a regular day around here - Alfredo and I went to the gym, then came back home in time to get Donovan up and ready for school. I hunkered down to work on some homework, and was unaware of anything out of the ordinary until I got online to check Facebook. Today was the running of the Boston Marathon, and this afternoon, a few hours into the marathon, two bombs exploded near the finish line. As of right now, two people are reported dead (one of which is an 8-yr old boy) and over 100 are wounded. It hurts my heart to think of the horror the people involved have experienced, and of the heartache that will be felt by many.
Sometimes, when things like this happen I worry about the fate of the world. It is a terrifying thought to know that everything can change in the blink of an eye. The horrible things that happen make me question the wisdom of bringing not just one, but three children into this world. I don't ever want them to experience the pure evil and hatred that can be found in the hearts of others, and the thought that harm could come to them makes my heart hurt.
Then, I think about what would happen if everyone thought that way. What if we all just cowered in a corner, never daring to step outside because something bad might happen. If we hide away, then evil and hatred will win. Instead, it is up to us to continue to fight the forces of evil with goodness and love. No matter how scary life may be, it is up to me to raise children who desire to help others and do what they can to make this world a better place. One of my favorites quotes is "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." It is encouraging to know that for everyone who desires to harm there is someone else who desires to help. As a parent, it is my job to raise children who fall into the latter category. That is a job I don't take lightly and I pray to God everyday that I can do it justice.
As long as there is hope and love there is no way terror and hate can survive. Even though the events of today are heart-wrenching and horrific, it is uplifting to see how we all band together to support those who need it, and search for justice for those who have befallen harm. I pray for the parents of those hurt, and the families of those who lost loved ones today. I hope that God can give them peace in the coming days and I want them all to know that I am doing what I can to make sure that goodness will live on in this world. I want my children to be strong enough to stand up for what is right, cry out against injustice, and lend a hand to those in need. Above all, I hope that we never lose faith in humanity. Because when we lose faith in humanity, we lose faith in ourselves. And sometimes faith is all you have to get you through the dark days and into the light.
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