Faithfulness

Twelve flag-draped caskets lined the front of the Ferrell Center at Baylor University in Waco, Texas today as President Obama, grieving families, and the stunned community of West, Texas gathered to remember those first responders who died in the fire and explosion at a fertilizer plant, April 17. The events in Boston last week somewhat overshadowed the Texas tragedy, but the reality of this small community's loss was unmistakably evident today. Texas governor, Rick Perry, said, "First-responders know better than anyone that there's no such thing as a routine emergency, but it didn't slow them down as they raced toward that burning factory." His words should serve to remind us of so many people who have been trained to respond in crisis, and who do so faithfully, putting themselves at risk for the good of the community. We pay limited attention to these brave men and women in what we too often view as the "routine" of their jobs. The sights and sounds from Waco today should remind us that the faithfulness and sacrifice of first responders should never be taken for granted.

Finally, give thanks for the sacrifices of those who routinely place themselves at risk, but whose faithfulness is anything but routine.

Jim Abernathy