I'm listening to the news as the second Boston Bomber is being pursued.
A moment ago, the reporter mentioned that the father of these young men, who is in Russia, has been contacted. He described his younger son as incredibly bright... a second year med student. He was expecting his sons to come home soon for the summer holidays.
And then it struck me: the other side of this tragedy.
This father has lost a son, too. This father is half a world away, knowing one son is dead, and the other is in mortal danger. This father is dealing with the enormity of what his children have done.
There are two sides to every tragedy, and it is easy to forget the families of those who do evil as we focus on the victims and those who have been victimized.
I am not glad that the older brother is dead. I do not hope that the younger dies, either. I find no joy or satisfaction in any violent death. I long for justice, yes. But I also long for redemption, for a change of heart, for as many opportunities as possible for this man to receive with open arms the same grace and forgiveness as is offered to each of us.
These men did evil. But they are men. They were a mother's babies. They are someone's children, someone's nephews, someone's best friends.And I grieve for those who must live with what these boys have become.
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us all.
Heather, my love... this is one of the best things I've read in a long time.
ReplyDeleteA twitter follower of mine, when I posted this, said this:
>amen! we need the perspective of mothers to understand that pain, hurt, and loss don't take sides in a tragedy.
Seriously, Heather... this is a necessary message in our society so obsessed with punishing the enemy... Thanks.
Thanks, Rob. It is not always easy to be able to see both sides of an argument. Especially in situations like this, it doesn't always make me terribly popular.
Deletethank you so much Heather - if i have to see that 'It is God's job to judge. It is our job to arrange the meeting' billboard on FB one more time i will just scream. this is so well written and a sentiment the world and americaland really needs to hear more. thank you!
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree, Brett, about that billboard. I have become quite squeamish about reveling in the deaths of our enemies. Somehow, that doesn't seem very... Christian.
Deletethank you so much Heather - if i have to see that 'It is God's job to judge. It is our job to arrange the meeting' billboard on FB one more time i will just scream. this is so well written and a sentiment the world and americaland really needs to hear more. thank you!
ReplyDelete