The power of events. Some day soon we’ll know who did this. We’ll find the person, or people, who orchestrated this inexplicable act of cowardice and barbarism.
But, they won’t have won.
Races will go on. People will meet at events of all kinds without fear and without hesitation.
Right now, in fact, people everywhere are gathering to support others they’ll never know. In cities far from Boston, people are coming together in church events, fundraisers and even in running groups who are flocking to high school tracks, to support those who suffered.
They’re raising money, paying tribute and sharing strength.
And it occurred to me, that as hard as some may try, those who gather for evil will never out muscle those who gather for good.
Even as explosions rattled the glass in Copley Square, people ran toward each other, not away. They streaked toward danger instead of fleeing from it.
In the chaos, strangers pushed through shrapnel to help the fallen. They ran, in tears, toward each other for a comforting embrace. Some, even after 26.2 painful miles, ran immediately to blood donation centers to help.
We were pulled together – not pushed apart.
As proud participants in the meetings and events industry, we here at Zerista believe in the power of connection. It was on display yesterday in Boston – and it will help us heal for months to come.
Remember, as you plan events big and small, that we are bigger than they are. We will always be bigger – in number, in persistence, in perseverance, and in courage.
We are millions. They are few.
Find strength in the people who gather for good.
Eric