More Than Numbers

More Than Numbers                           4-16-2013

By John W. Vander Velden

 

176 injured, 3 dead, an 8 year old lost.  They are more than numbers.  They are more than names…more than faces plastered on the front page.  They are more than just the newest casualties.  They are people…people…with hopes and aspirations…  People that are part of families…they are parents…and children…all affected…some never to return to those they loved.  To families with dreams broken and hearts shattered.  Their loss leaves our world a little dimmer and future’s possibilities lessened.

How do we respond, with rage? It is only natural.  But to do so gives the monsters their victory.  Is not fear and anger their goal.  Do they not use fear to propel their agenda, and hate fuels the fire these villains hope to ignite. We cannot hide…for to cower gives away the upper hand.  Today is the beginning of all the tomorrows that come.  Let us stand firm in what is true…and in that truth find courage to face the tomorrows. 

As we face the future, as we face a battle between what is good and those that attempt to dismantle…as we wonder at the insanity…and wonder whether light or dark shall prevail…let us not lose sight of the goodness that surrounds.  Too easily the vile steal the spotlight.  Too easily pain’s dark clouds hide the rainbows of our world’s wondrous possibilities.  Is it wrong to share tears with the families of the fallen?  I say no…we must care.  To weep for the innocents right and true.  To pray for the victims…their families…their friends.  To pray for the first responders…showing great courage as they faced the carnage.  And yes, to pray for the perpetrators…that they realize the wrong they have dealt…that understand that cruelty solves nothing…that this cowardly act should never have been done.  That such deeds are not a beginning but a foolish end, accomplishing nothing.

Let us not forget the foundation stones on which our country was built.  The things on which we stand.  Surely we should hope for justice…but justice does not require vengeance.  For vengeance’s rewards are short lived and oft bitter upon the tongue.  

As we move to the future…as days turn to months…months to years…we must remember April 15^th…remember Boston.  That place…that date will be among others as we remember… 911…Pearl Harbor…Oklahoma City…Waco…and all those dark times and places…Let us never forget they were more than numbers.