Heroes Move Ahead

Our prayers go out to the victims, families, and citizens affected by the attacks in Boston Monday. Like the first disciples before Easter morning, afraid and confused in the wake of the crucifixion, may they receive peace from the God of Peace who makes things right and offers hope in dark places. Let us pray they are comforted and that they know they are loved.

   We watched and followed the news of Monday's attacks on innocent people with a sense of unrest and concern. I encourage all of us to pray for the victims and the perpetrators.  Whoever committed such crimes is in need of our prayers and Jesus specifically commanded us to pray for our enemies and those who would do us harm (read Matthew 5:39-48).
   People turn to each other in the face of tragedy and more than ever they are going online for both news, comfort and explanations. One of the popular posts on Monday referred to a quote from Mr. Rogers that said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" He is right. It might have taken only one or a handful of people to commit the destruction, but the streets were immediately filled with those who were moving, or even running, to help. Heroes Move Ahead.
   Such movement is not limited to tragic events, or those that fill the news channels. Bud Carroll is a hero to the lives he has changed in Hong Kong for five decades by living out the Good News. Meg Olive, who moved back home when she never thought she would, is a hero for her efforts to love and lead Columbus families out of poverty. Our church has silent heroes who gather on the last Thursday of every month to serve a meal to our neighbors. We have women and men who visit hospital rooms, write cards and make calls to check on those who otherwise can be forgotten too easily. Our pews are filled with quiet heroes who leave the sanctuary and move out to serve and love as God has instructed.
   Epworth is filled with movers. Not all of us are the movers and shakers as the world defines it, but everyone of us is called to move to where the need is and offer some aid. That is what heroes do. Heroes move ahead. God wants you to be a hero. Get up and get moving.
   Grace and Peace, Scott