First Baptist Church of Herndon

When Tragedy Strikes

Linda Soller | Feb 03, 2025

Tragic things happen all the time. We feel sorrow and helplessness when terrible news is announced. That is what happened last Wednesday night. Before bed I sometimes check the radar app on my phone to see the flights coming and going at Dulles Airport. My house is under a flight path to the airport. I saw a flight that was redirected from DCA, then another, then another. I switched to DCA and there was nothing, except some helicopters. I knew something was wrong. After changing to a news site, I found there had been a mid-air collision. My heart ached. I had no reason to think I knew anyone involved, but that didn’t stop my feeling of grief for those lost. Innocent victims of a tragic accident.

Today I question why I don’t feel such a strong connection to people I don’t know when all is well? Why does it take so many of us to be witness to a tragedy to act on behalf of others? Why does our concern, and often our action, come after a problem or tragic event? When will we learn to act with and on behalf of others before we get to that point? I am still rolling that around in my mind and heart. There are no easy answers.

I know there will always be accidents, unpreventable accidents. But there are also tragedies that can be avoided it people work together. Voices unified to correct problems, institute needed change, and speak for those who cannot, must be raised if we are to claim to be civilized. We are a community of human  beings who need each other to survive and to flourish. We are the body of Christ called to love others. When you love someone, their well-being is of key importance to you.

As you go through your week, I ask you to think about what you could do. Maybe it will be responding to a victim of tragedy, but maybe you can help keep tragedy from striking again. You have the power to make a difference. Don’t wait to act. When tragedy strikes it is already too late for someone.

Be strong in the Lord and be kind!

Linda