Look for the Helpers

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


             A tragedy happened about two hours from our home today. Just yards from the finish line at the Boston Marathon an explosion shook the ground and sent people to their knees. Two people died and over 80 were injured, some critically. Many more were forever changed in that instant, and just minutes later when a second explosion happened a few blocks away.
             I have been watching the reports with thirteen year old duckling. He just keeps saying 'oh my goodness' over and over. Part of me wants to shield my kids from such evil, letting them believe for as long as possible that the world they live in is completely safe. But that would not do them any favors. The day has to come when their innocence takes a blow and they come face to face with the reality that there is evil in the world.
             But there is good too. Immediately after the first blast people began running. Many of course were running for their lives, but many were running into the blast zone to help those injured. With no regard for whether they were running into another explosion, they went to the aid of those who needed it without hesitation. As I watched them running, intent on doing what they could to help, I thought about what GOD was thinking. Was He mourning the separation of those responsible from His plan? Was He shedding a tear over the pain that those killed and injured and their families would be feeling? Was He smiling with pride at the determination of those helpers to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world? I don't know the religious affiliations of those helpers, and it doesn't really matter. Whether they were Christians, Jews, Muslim, Atheists  or some other religion isn't important. What is important is that they were doing just what He wants us to do, reach out to those who need our help and help them.

Lord, be with those affected by the explosions in Boston today. Please hold them in Your comforting arms and let them feel Your strength. Thank You for the helpers, those who step in...run in... to help their fellow human beings without hesitation. Thank You for their bravery and compassion. In Jesus' name, Amen.