I had another great NFP guest post lined up for today, but I have a heavy heart after the events of the week. I think it’s appropriate to have a quiet day on the blog with requests for prayer for the victims of the tragedies.
My husband is a marathoner, ultra-marathoner, and triathlete and if I weren’t so close to my due date, it’s very likely he or both of us would have been at the Boston Marathon on Monday. Many of his running friends were in the race or spectating and are safe, thank God. Please continue to pray for the victims of the bombs and their families.
Last night we got the terrible news about the huge explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, TX, just a few miles north of where we went to college in Waco. Dozens feared dead and hundreds injured. I know our friends in Waco are doing everything they can to donate blood for the victims and assist the churches that are sheltering the evacuees. We visited West several times when we lived in TX. Please pray for the good people that call it home.
Lord, have mercy.
Marta Pisco says
Dear Haley,
thank you for putting in words what I feel. A heavy heart – that’s exactly the way to say it. I have friends in Aleppo, in Syria, and everyday I check on them. The conditions there are terrible, and with no end at sight. When I hear things like the bombing in Boston I get really mad : isn’t there enough violence and pain in the world at the moment?? Is everybody going mad??
My husband, who studied political science, once answered me in a way that made me feel better: when there is a lot of change (in society), there is also a lot of resistance. Maybe we have to endure this “resistance” reactions in order to evolve. I hope so.
In the meantime, pain and tears and prayers, that’s all we can do.
Much love from Amsterdam, stay well!
Marta
Haley says
Thank you, Marta! Prayers for your friends in Aleppo.
kate says
A heavy heart indeed. The marathon is just unbelievable. I’m running in the Pittsburgh marathon in a few weeks (not the whole thing, just a 6 mile segment for the relay) and it is daunting. It’s so sad that such a wonderful triumph was ruined for so many, and even sadder that their biggest supporters have to deal with the death and injuries. It is just mind boggling… so many prayers. I decided recently that every race I run, I will try to raise money for a charity. Now I am even more determined to do so.
Haley says
What an awesome commitment to run for charity, Kate!
Wanda says
Yes, I live in Fort Worth and the reports of damage and loss of life are devastating. W stop in West several times a year as we travel down I 35 frequently.
Prayers for all this week who have suffered and those helping them to heal.
In the midst of this I have remember my mother’s death anniversary yesterday, todayis my oldest daughter’s birthday and next week the 24 anniv. of my brother’s death. April has become a heavy month.
Haley says
Prayers for you during this difficult month, Wanda!
Miriam says
Much love and prayers from Spain. And a big hug to you!
Haley says
Thank you, Miriam!
Lindsay says
Sending all sorts of love and healing energy to Boston and West, TX. <3 <3 <3
Haley says
<3!
Paola says
When I heard about Boston I felt sorrounded by fear. It touched me deeply. It is strange to explain, MA is the place in America where I’ve always dreamed to live and where I secretly hope to move for my studies. I felt like they injured a familiar place.
I feel sad about all the awful things are happening to your country in these days. I keep you in my prayers. Much love from Italy! xo
Haley says
Thank you, Paola!