A Space to Pause

I’ve been riveted by the impeachment trial; not only for its historic nature, but to also see the timeline of events laid out clearly and chronologically for the first time. The impact of January 6 hit me again as the impeachment managers reminded us all, regardless of party affiliation, of just how perilous and harrowing that day was.

They also introduced us to new images from inside the Capitol. And those images showed us a new story, a new perspective; one of close calls and near-misses.

As I was listening and watching, I was left breathless by just how close the seditious mob came to hurting and killing so many people.

Senator Romney was walking down a hall when Officer Goodman was seen running at him full speed. He yelled for Romney to turn around. Romney was walking directly toward the mob; he turned around and ran to safety.

I pause and breath in grace.

And Senator Schumer, who did run into the rioters, was pulled away from them and pushed through another door. His security detail, along with other Capitol Police, then pushed themselves against the door to protect him.

I pause and breathe in gratitude.

And Vice President Pence was hurriedly removed from the Senate chambers by the Secret Service, just minutes before the “hang Mike Pence” chanting mob found him.

I pause and breathe in humility.

A new video showed the door to the Senate chamber that Officer Goodman distracted the mob from seeing. They walked right past it, like they didn’t even see it, and towards him and his backup.

I pause and breathe in joy.

Every single time lives were saved, and violence stopped, I paused.

I paused many times throughout that day.

How did those protestors not see that Senate door? How was Romney saved? How did no rioter find Nancy Pelosi? They were calling for her and looking to kill her.

And yet, all of our Senators and Reps, and all of their staff, were saved that day. All of them. Doors were locked and barricaded and rioters pushed back.

We still lost 5 souls that day, and so many were hurt. One officer will lose an eye, another lost three fingers, and another, his life.

But watching the timeline of events, I realized—actually, everyone watching and commentating realized just how close we were to losing more.

So much ugliness that day. Rioters stoked to violence over a lie; blood-thirsty with anger.

And yet, the grace of humanity was still stronger. Officer Goodman, a light of strength; Capitol Police, a lesson in true bravery. So many saved. So many…

I pause again and breathe. Today I lift up my eyes in thanks.