Dove of Peace Looks Like a Small Boy with a Sign

The Dove of Peace today looks like the small boy with a sign.  In a school related "Peace" march last May Martin Richard didn't have an inkling how prophetic his sign would become.  That was almost a year ago. 
On Monday, April 15th known as "Patriot's Day" in Boston the annual Boston Marathon took place and Martin Richard stood in the cheering crowd near the finish line.  Can't you imagine this eight year old jumping, cheering, High -Fiving anyone nearby as each contestant crossed the finish line? His dad had just finished the grueling run and Martin had congratulated him.  While waiting for his dad to return to the family the first explosion went off.  The day begun in joyful anticipation, punctuated by victory now covered the earth with smokey disaster.
The world watched in horror and then grief for the pain inflicted on so many, on Boston.  Instantly because of our information technological age we began seeing images of those running toward the wounded.  First responders appeared in remarkable numbers, others began to reach out and get the injured to help, to hold those who shook with fear and shock.  Out of the ashes rose life and affirmation that God was is and will be with us.  Out of the horror arose a God that cannot be moved.  We are assured God is present in all our storms of life. 
Be Still and know that He is God.  Be strong and courageous for the Lord is with you.  God is our refuge and strength, our very present help in time of trouble.  Be still and know that He is God...
Thank you Martin for believing in peace for proclaiming the violence must cease.  Thank you Lord for your grace, compassion and mercy in Martin's life and now in his death.  Help us finally to see that peace begins with us and can wait no longer.