Boston, You're My Home

Today was a proud day to be a Bostonian.
 

At the Interfaith Service for Healing our City, Bostonians of all backgrounds united in our unique diversity to respond to Monday’s tragic marathon bombing. I was privileged to be in the congregation and inspired by every speaker. The musical selections and glorious sacred setting contributed to the heart-warming ceremony.

But what really struck me was the crowd.

Inside, there were state legislators in suits and police officers in uniforms. Men in Red Sox caps and women in head scarves. A man in a Tom Brady jersey, another in a USO sweatshirt. Young children on school vacation, holding tight to parents’ loving hands.  A Chinese family who apparently spoke no English. A tall, bearded Sikh in his dark turban. Runners in Boston Marathon blue-and-gold jackets. City Councilors and clergy, and plenty of everyday people seeking community and comfort.

Outside, mobs of people lined both sides of Washington Street, trying to catch a glimpse of the presidential limo as it left the cathedral. Senator Elizabeth Warren greeted them as she walked down the traffic-less street, as well as Rep. Joe Kennedy, Rep. Ed Markey and others.

Every speaker touched a different part of the soul. They spoke of loss and life-changing injury, of courage and risk, of resilience and grit, of kindness and compassion. Looking at the dais, I felt inspired by the exquisite balance of faith traditions (Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Jewish, Muslim, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ) and ethnic backgrounds. There was not one woman minister, but two, including Liz Walker who eloquently opened the ceremony and Nancy Taylor, who has been ministering to marathon runners at Old South Church every year.

 

The clergy were inspiring, but so were the political leaders, Mayor Menino, arriving in his wheelchair, Governor Patrick as eloquent as ever, and Comforter-in-Chief President Obama. Each had demonstrated the best qualities of leadership over the past three days, and their words all described what we have been feeling. All of them spoke of the values and character of the residents of Boston. Above all, they spoke of the love and community spirit that has brought us together in response to this senseless act of brutality. We have lived up to our ideals by responding to violence with caring, to evil with grace, and to hatred with love.

 

As President Obama said, “You showed us, Boston, that in the face of evil, Americans will lift up what's good. In the face of cruelty, we will choose compassion. In the face of those who would visit death upon innocents, we will choose to save and to comfort and to heal. We'll choose friendship. We'll choose love. Because Scripture teaches us God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

The President’s speech indicated that he really “gets” Boston. He understood the importance of the marathon as a day of “friendship and fellowship and healthy competition.”

 

I urge everyone to watch or listen to the 90-minute service, if you have not already done so.
http://www.c-span.org/flvPop.aspx?id=10737439299
You can read the transcript of the President’s words at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/18/obama-boston-interfaith-service-transcript/2093849/

By the final standing ovation for the president, the crowd was feeling proud and defiant and strong, even as we all feel sorrow, pain and loss. Somehow, here in Boston, it is possible to hold both together. That, too, is part of our great city’s character.

I have had many moments when I’ve been proud to be part of this great, historic city, where, as Governor Patrick said, “Massachusetts invented America.” I was proud at the founding rally of GBIO and at when the Red Sox won the World Series. On Monday afternoon, when Brian and I sat in the right field seats at Fenway Park enjoying an exciting Red Sox game, I turned to him and said, “I’m so glad we live in Boston.”

But I have never felt such pride as today, seeing so many different people coming together and hearing our president describe the many accomplishments of our city, its rich medical and intellectual and artistic resources, and the indomitable yet compassionate spirit of the residents. Indeed, I will always “love that dirty water,” and proudly sing “Boston, you’re my home.”