Terror WILL NOT Win...

Just like millions of Americans and Bostonians yesterday, I was saddened, sickened, disgusted, shocked and numerous other feelings at the events that transpired yesterday.  It's a cruel, dark world that we live in where people can be violent for no reason to prove their point of view instead of using the avenue of diplomacy. 

Some 23,000+ people from all over the world made their way to Boston for the annual Boston Marathon and unbeknownst to them their day would change at the sound of explosions ringing in the streets at the Finish Line.  Two people died at the scene with at least one other (a child) dying later and at last count 144 or so injured ranging from critical to scrapes and bruises. I'm know that I, along with the rest of America, salute and thank the first responders who arrived at the scene aiding people to safety, risking their own lives for the lives of others.  If we've learned anything from 9/11 it's that true hero's are those on the front lines of disaster, whether it be the military, police, fire fighter or coast guard.  We are truly grateful for your service and dedication to the greater good.

Once I learned of the explosions yesterday, a gut wrenching pain struck me as I remembered my Father-in-Law was working there at the event.  I immediately called his cell phone and he answered, "Ryan, yeah, I just heard about it myself.  I just landed in Atlanta and my office was calling to check on me and my crew."  Luckily, he and his constituents were OK and relief immediately set in as I called my wife to inform her that her father was OK.   

From the feeling of relief I instantly moved into anger at the situation.  I wanted to know who and why as if I could do something about it.  I wanted instant answers and I was almost chaotic in my own attitude.  I even had my fellow employees tell me that I need to settle down and take a moment, which I did and as I sat there I began to meditate and think about the events.  My mind started thinking about the families of the victims that passed and of the families of the injured.  I thought about the utter chaos that had to have ensued after the 1st bomb, let alone the 2nd one. 

I began to think of how I might of acted had I'd been there, but as all of these thoughts rushed into my mind a single, peaceful thought began to override all of the others: this is exactly what they want. What is the point of a terrorist attack?  What do they want to happen as an end result? Fear.  They, whoever (domestic or international), want us to live in fear; to be so overcome with the emotive state of fear that we deny ourselves the very thing that our country was founded for: Freedom.  If we live in fear then they have won the very battle in which they set out to win.  We CANNOT let them win.  I understand that it is our duty as parents to protect our families.  I understand that it's our duty to protect the ones we love, but if we cower to the idea that everywhere we go, that everything we do is a potential battleground or threat to our very safety then they have won and we CANNOT let that happen. That’s not to say that we won't think about the possibilities that could occur, but by giving in to the idea itself is a type of surrender. 

Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Fear is a powerful emotion.  The very definition of fear states that fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.  If we were to live in a fearful state then we could never enjoy our foundational Freedoms given to us by the men that fought for our country 100's of years ago to the men and women in our military today.  This is why we CANNOT let whoever did this win. As you go throughout your day today and reflect on the disaster of yesterday’s events, do not be held captive by fear or terror.  Do not let it bind you into a non-functional state, but be transformed into the proud American that we've fought so hard to maintain. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 

Let's renew our minds proudly and unafraid so Terror WILL NOT win...