Running Towards Danger

I read that several of the victims from the Boston Marathon bombing are still in the hospital, many of them amputees.  I can’t imagine the pain and suffering, and the loss the victims and their families must be feeling.  Not only the tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, but also those affected by the plant explosion in West, Texas.  My prayers go out to all the victims and their families.  But in all the tragedy, I was reminded that there is still hope for this country.

A friend directed me to a video showing the Boston Marathon bomb blasts and pointed out that when the bombs went off, most people ran away.  But a great number of people ran towards the blast.  Why would someone run towards danger? Are they foolhardy or just willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help someone else? 

These people ran to help the blast victims, not knowing the cause of the blast or whether another blast might occur. Yet they ran towards danger.  Some were professional first responders, paid to go into harm’s way, but many were not.  They were just people willing to help.  Most of the people who died in the blast in West, Texas were volunteer fireman responding to a fire at the plant.  Many of the victims of the World Trade Center act of terrorism were first responders responding to the crisis. 

The people who run towards danger don’t do it only when big things happen, they do it every day.  Not only our servicemen, but firemen, policemen, and EMTs run towards danger.  They put themselves in harm’s way to aid and protect us.  While I don’t think it is a uniquely American trait, I do believe it is a trait that makes this country strong. We should thank God that there are people in this country who are willing to risk their safety to help others.  And we should follow their example.

I’m advocating that we should worry a little less about saving ourselves from inconvenience and more about rescuing our communities.  I’m not advocating running into burning buildings or into the fallout of an explosion.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank.  Sign up to read to children at the local library.  Volunteer at a school or local charity.  Be a mentor at a Boys or Girls Club.  Do something to help your community and the people in it.  The professionals and everyday people that became heroes in Texas and Boston set the bar high.  Your challenge may not be running towards danger, but be someone’s hero and change a life.