Pray for Boston: It’s Just About… Life.

We all are.

I don’t watch much news anymore, don’t need to see the constant barrage of bad stories, which in many ways have little bearing on the world continuing to turn. Then there are events like yesterday, and it’s tough to turn away.

This blog however is not focused on the bad people and their actions that go on every day and have been since the beginning of time. I worked in the news business for 15 years as producer and reporter. But I don’t produce or report anymore, I write. And I look for good. Words have power and so do pictures. When the events of the day touch everyone – it’s time to pause and find a ray of hope. I do my best to keep moving forward, but sometimes you have to stop for a moment of reflection and prayer.

Proof that an act of kindness, no matter how small, or words of encouragement, can lift the spirits of those it is focused on and in turn literally lift you up as well. Ben Revere, centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies wrote the words, “Pray for Boston”, (pictured at the top of this blog), on the outside of his glove. This morning I saw this highlight and literally watched a human being fly. Revere, as if touched by some other worldly power took flight and made the catch of the year in the major leagues. Whatever the connection, his kind words, his empathy, his support, not only spoke to the victims and families in Boston, but then as if through some higher power, he elevated himself as well. Don’t tell me words don’t have power, don’t tell me when you think about others first and try to raise them up, you don’t do the same for yourself. Revere wrote down a few words, said a prayer for Boston, then as if on the wings of love, took flight. Check it out, it’s worth a look, (picture is at the top of the link, video is in the middle):
http://www.the700level.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Video-Ben-Revere-Makes-Ridiculously-Awes?blockID=837859&feedID=8510

Then there is Joe Andruzzi, a former New England Patriots player, a cancer-survivor and three-time Super Bowl Champ, who remains active in the Boston community. He regularly goes to hospitals, as one article states, “visiting cancer patients to lift their spirits”. Yesterday, he literally lifted a woman up in his arms at the marathon and carried her to safety. Andruzzi and members of his foundation attended at the race, as one of the charities represented at the event, and they were close by when the explosions happened.
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0415/nfl__g_andruzzi_gb1_300.jpg

Andruzzi then sent out this message: “Marathon Monday should be about uplifting stories, personal challenges and fundraising milestones, but today’s bombings irrevocably changed that. While I appreciate the interest in hearing our perspective on today’s horrific events, the spotlight should remain firmly on the countless individuals — first responders, medics, EMTs, runners who crossed the finish line and kept on running straight to give blood, and the countless civilians who did whatever they could to save lives. They were the true heroes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

Senseless is right. But the heroes and the goodwill from everyone, everywhere, will help turn tragedy into hope and recovery. Today the race to recovery begins.

Today, we pray for Boston.

Mark