This has
been an impossible week of tragedy and triumph, brokenness and bravery, gory
injuries and graciousness, terror and tenacity, angry words and awakenings,
betrayal and blessing.
We started
the week with the horror of the bombings at the Boston Marathon. The tragedy
unfolded to reveal the deaths of three beautiful souls and the maiming of so
many others. The losses will affect these victims, survivors, and their
families for the rest of their lives. But out of it we also witnessed the
triumph of the human spirit as first responders and regular citizens rushed
toward the blasts to help others in need. The number of injuries and the
gruesomeness of the injuries was devastating. The reality that humans did this
to others was alarming and disheartening.
We moved
quickly into learning that our elected officials refused to vote the will of
90% of the American people to extend the reach of background checks for gun
purchases. It was a devastating loss for sensible legislation to curb gun
violence. It was a crushing blow to many who have worked tirelessly for this
goal. The refusal by the Senate to say NO to the NRA was painful.
This week
was also marred by the mailing of ricin filled letters to a US Senator and to
the President of the United States by an angry, bitter man bent on hurting
others. The depth of hatred and destruction some will stoop to saddened us.
We entered
into a wave of destruction once again as a fertilizer plant in West, Texas
caught fire and the very firefighters who answered the call were trapped in the
blaze. The explosion filled the earth with fire and fear. Fourteen persons were
killed – ten of them first responders – and hundreds were injured. The loss of
life and the destruction of homes and businesses will reshape and affect that
community for decades to come.
The manhunt for
the bombing suspects continued in the city of Boston and the surrounding
communities as we moved into the later part of the week. Word of gunfights, a carjacking, and tossed
IEDs and grenades sent a wave of fear once again racing through those in the
area. When word came that the first suspect was dead and later that the second
had been arrested - cries of relief and gratitude poured forth from the people
of Boston and around the country.
In the midst
of this we learned of a massive earthquake that struck China. Hundreds are likely
dead and thousands injured. The loss is tremendous and gut-wrenching. We are
left to watch rescue workers rush into collapsed building debris to find
survivors and everyday heroes are lending a hand. Once again we cried out in
anguish.
And we are
left to wonder ... Did this week suck or what?
Yes. It did.
There was destruction, brutality, tragedy, terror, and betrayal. And it
saddened us beyond words.
But there
was also amazing heroism, bravery, tenacity, unity, and love. Bostonians opened
their homes to people needing a place to stay. People in Texas rushed to help
and supported the families of the firefighters killed and injured and helped persons
who lost their homes. Citizens in Boston and China with no medical training
came to the aid of their brothers and sisters in need and made us proud. Law
Enforcement officers did their jobs with amazing tenacity and professionalism
that made a city want to collectively hug them all. And a determined and brave former
congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, vowed to not give up the fight on guns and tens
of thousands of new folks joined her in the quest.
This week
bent us - but it did not break us. It did not break us because in all of these
situations people of good will banded together to react positively and to
respond together. It did not break us because we joined forces regardless of
gender or sexuality or age or faith or other differences.
But we did
bend folks - some used the actions of a few to lump an entire religion’s
followers into the role of "bad guy." Some used coded language about
"brown skinned people” and "not being American enough." Some
blamed gays or the government or conspiracies or each other for the danger and fear.
Some assumed evil intent too quickly. Some made statements on social media that
all "foreigners should be kicked out now." Some in the news media
failed on so many levels. And so did
some of our leaders.
We bent. But
we did not break - we are a strong people. And we are stronger together. We are
better when we reach out to help and when we hold each other accountable. We
are better when we understand that we are all children of God.
Our brothers
and sisters in China, Boston, Texas, and around the world deserve our prayers.
The victims, survivors, first responders, and those affected by these events
are due our respect.
The
circumstances of this week needed quiet respect and honor instead of politics,
protests, and positioning. The events of this week were worthy of our best and
in so many ways we rose to the occasion. But we need to be better. We need to
work harder at keeping the hate, distrust, and anger at bay. We need to be more
willing to wait for the right answer and not the quick one.
We bent this
week folks – and we need to learn from that. But we did not break – and we need
to celebrate that.
