If reports are believed, days after causing the death of a child and two adults and bringing fear to thousands, the responsible partied. As I read, I realized that my anger and pain have grown. How could they? What were they thinking? Was the twisted power within them so strong that they could not see the evil that their hands had caused?
I doubt we will ever know the thoughts that shape the mind of those that create and trigger bombs among the innocent. Even as I try to imagine, I know that I have no clue. The pictures and words describing the destruction block my vision. I see smiling faces turning towards the sounds of an explosion in wonder. They could not anticipate what was coming. They had no idea what was about to hit them and everyone in sight. It was not possible, at least not until it had happened.
To know now that life went on is hard. The knowledge consumes some, myself included, from the inside out. It almost seems personal, even though those who were there had no idea what they actions might be saying to others. It is as if old words are being replayed, taunting the memories of the deal and hurt from every direction. “When I was down they threw a party! All the nameless riffraff of the town came chanting insults about me.” (Psalm 35.15)
In the pain of this scene it is good to remember the following.
Life is often different than what it seems. People may celebrate ignorant of the knowledge that would bring them to tears.
Evil has no limits. It touches the innocent and the young without thought. It celebrates pain and destruction. It lives, if only for the moment.
We are never defined by what is done to us; our character is revealed by how we respond.
Life continues as if it does not remember. I do. Evil has chipped away at my innocence. My prayer is for those in pain; may my actions today make a difference, for both of us.
