-- "No injuries after pipe bomb explodes before charity run in New Jersey"
-- "Blast near Marine Corps race in New Jersey probed as possible terror act"
-- "New Jersey pipe bomb had multiple devices"
We're living in a violent world, one filled with anger and hatred on so many levels. Innocent people are so often the target of such aggression. Road races attract people of all ages, all ethnicities, all religions, all amounts of education, and all income levels. Running knows no boundaries -- neither in participation nor human determination. All must toe the starting line, cover the distance, and cross the finish line. For many, time is inconsequential. The act of participating with those of like-minded purpose, and releasing one's best effort, is often the ultimate goal.
Last Saturday, around 5,000 people were due to take part in the Semper Five 5K run, a charity race in New Jersey that aims to raise money for military veterans and their families. Unfortunately, a pipe bomb in a garbage can brought an end to it. Participants had been scheduled to pass by the area near the explosion around the time the blast occurred. However, the start of the race had been delayed. Thankfully, no one was injured. The race was cancelled. It was not the only appalling act because other bomb incidents were also in the headlines for New York and New Jersey this past weekend. Of course, the explosion at the Marine 5K charity run stirred memories of the deadly blasts at the 2013 Boston Marathon where two pressure cooker bombs exploded at the finish line of the race, killing three people and wounding more than 260.
Around 62AD the Apostle Paul wrote the following in his Epistle to the Philippians (see Philippians 2:1-4):
"Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being of one mind, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."It has been nearly 2,000 years since Paul wrote those words. I believe there is much wisdom in his writing, but too many view such words as merely dusty remnants of a period in time which no longer applies to mankind. In my opinion, these words need to be dusted off, adopted in hearts, and applied in today's world. If more people can commit to doing that, I believe that the impact would be far greater and more far reaching than any bomb in a garbage can.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________
Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
