All's Fair 'N' Love ~ Love, Dating, Marriage, Divorce, & the Truth

Originally I planned to write an “It’s been awhile” post, but I’ll finish that later.

Yesterday, I received a text from my doctoral program asking anyone on campus to stay indoors until further notified.  My campus is in Boston, but I’m conducting my research in Florida.  A second text came through with more details, saying to stay indoors due to the EXPLOSIONS!!!!  Instantly I assumed that there had been a gas leak and my campus would be in need of repair.

Once I finished my last appointment, I hopped on the computer to google Boston news, and to my dismay there was no freak accident. Instead, so miserable person had intentionally plotted to cause harm to people raising funds for a good cause.  There had been two bombs planted with shrapnel in the midst of the Boston Marathon. Three lives were lost, including an 8 year old waiting to see his father cross the finish line.   Over 170 others were injured.

It hurts my heart that there are people who would harm complete strangers to prove a point that shall remain unknown to the world. I can’t comprehend what could possibly have happened to someone that would allow them to derive a sense of accomplishment from such an heinous act.

There is not much I can do to “fix” this turn of events, but in protest I am going to highlight the positives in an attempt to remove some of the negative energy the Boston Bombings have given us.  I need to prove that the world is not going to hell in a handbasket, but that there are glimmers of hope for mankind.

5 Positives From The Boston Bombings

1. Help Is On The Way-

When the bombs exploded, people immediately scattered. But before the smoke could clear, an interesting phenomenon took place. People ran towards the explosion! They were prepared to offer immediate assistance however they could…even if it meant putting themselves in harm’s way.Even people you don’t know care about your well being.  In a moment when the stakes were high, someone cared whether you survived or not. They cared enough to risk themselves.  We must know that brotherly love still exists in this world.

2. Someone Cares-

Before the sun could set, all sorts of live shows were sending hopes, prayers, and dedications to Boston.  There was a genuine feeling of concern.  Some thought the world had become selfish, but now there is evidence of otherwise. Strangers are submitting their videos of the events to assist police. The president has issued a statement of placing priority in finding and holding accountable the person that did this.  The internet is exploding with signs of support and concern. People are ready to do whatever they can to help transition through this tough time.

3. We Are Fearless-

the acts of aid and the refusal to stay indoors are a sign that people are refusing to let the idiots of the world invoke fear.  They are still living their lives and returning to their regularly scheduled programs.  The only difference is that they are doing it with a sense of pride.  They aren’t just grocery shopping, but they are protesting the protection of hiding and showing that their power has not been removed.

4. We Talk To Our Children-

The new age method of parenting often replaces dinner conversations with digital media.  Children are left to learn the wonders of the world from DVDs, Wikipedia, and Twitter polls. But when something like this occurs, it pushes us to pull our children closer. To observe their reactions, and try to ease their minds and answer their questions before the rest of the world can get to them.  It gives me joy to see parents not deferring to the teacher, or outside sources.  Everywhere from the news to the radio, I heard calls of parents giving tips of consoling children confused by the actions that took place at the Boston Marathon.  Even at the site of the explosion, strangers consoled two small children asking if “a bad man did this” by telling them that it was fireworks and that they’re just going to go inside to be safe until they are fixed.  Others recommended telling small kids to look for the “helpers” to emphasize that even in bad times there are good people.  Imagine if we were this attentive and intentional about our youth’s interactions and understanding of the world EVERYDAY!  It would be beautiful.

5. People Still Pray- 

prayer is something I thought was a dying art form.  A relic in a world riddled with technology that provides logical answers at your finger tips.  Sometimes it takes a senseless act that defies all logic to push us back to tried and true principles.  “Lean not to thy own understanding”

There is still hope for our world, and I am still hopeful…are you?