As I think back on those “I know where I was when I heard about it” events in my life, I realize the list has really grown. The earliest – the death of President John F. Kennedy. I was a third grader at Wiggins Elementary. They came in and told us about it. I remember Daddy explaining to us as we watched the funeral on our black and white TV how this was a sad but historical moment that would long be remembered. How right he was.
There was a gap in events after that, at least for me. I have a vague recollection of the launch pad fire of Apollo 1. I absolutely experienced the excitement of the moon landing of Apollo 11. I watched and held my breath with the entire nation as Apollo 13 slingshot itself around the moon using the lunar module as a lift boat. I watched in horror as Challenger exploded at lift-off, the Oklahoma City federal building blew up, Columbia exploded on re-entry, and the events of 9-11. In the background of all these were Vietnam (was at Ole Miss when that ended after such tragic loss), the Cold War, and the various actions still underway in the Middle East. And then yesterday. Boston. Patriots Day. Sum the tragedy of that event up in the death of an 8-year-old who had just run out to hug his dad as he crossed the finish line. My prayers are with them all. How grateful, again, I am for first responders and people on the street who heroically put their lives on the line to help save the lives of others. But again, we ask why?
I think sometimes it odd that I never asked why when diagnosed with cancer, but these so negative events (please note that all the ones I listed above are not negative!) like Boston designed to incite fear – I cannot help myself – I just ask why.
I become angry at the jumpy media so wanting to have the first scoop report stuff that simply is not true and they show photos and videos just to sensationalize the events. Just get out-of-the-way and left people work and try to find the source as well as care for the wounded without being trampled on. I am particularly offended by the “leakers” – the ones not authorized to comment on a situation but do it anyway. I hate fear-mongers. Hate. Strong word. It is what it is.
I pray today for Boston, for those who are recovering, for their families, for those who have worked non-stop since this started to deal with criminal and medical issues. I say to my family and friends that I love you, because you just don’t know when you or I may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I pray for the souls of those responsible that they would experience remorse and would seek the One True God. Boston is on my list of places I tentatively plan to go again this summer (baseball of course) as is Atlanta and South Dakota and New Mexico and I refuse to be afraid.
Ask why? If you have to. But. Don’t let fear win.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Cille Litchfield 