DR. JANET HURLEYGuest Columnist

I read with sadness the details of the recent attack at one of our beautiful outdoor exercise trails. I expect many people who read that feel frightened and angry. My heart breaks for the jogger who endured a terrifying experience, and I’m glad she fought back and got away.

As she got away, she retrieved the attacker’s shoe, which was left behind when he fled. The police also lifted the man’s thumbprint off the victim’s cellphone, and a suspect was arrested. I am saddened for the victim who must process this horrifying event, and I am hopeful that she has a loving network of friends and family who will support her through this process. My comments below are directed to our community.

How are we to process this? It is important that we do not let such a sad act keep us from enjoying that which is good, and doing that which is good for us. Many come to these trail systems at Rose Rudman Park and enjoy the birds, the squirrels, the trees and the other signs of beautiful nature. Many walk, run, scooter and bike in ways that bring health to the body and joy to the soul. We cannot let fear control our behavior.

How should we respond, then, when we read such terrible things in the headlines, watch it on TV or hear it on the radio? What about the things we read, watch or hear on the internet? I love when people post happy stories on these media outlets as well, such as the dancing goat video that made local headlines and went viral to bring attention to the overflowing occupancy at a local animal shelter. If we want to restore our faith in our fellow man, what better way than to relive the story of the plane landing on the Hudson River a decade ago. Everyone survived, not just because of the expert glider skills of its pilot, Sully Sullenberger, but also because of the heroic efforts of ferry boat workers, rescue divers, local law enforcement, the Red Cross and other groups.

And how should we process our anger about the Rose Rudman attacker? Mostly I am just sad. I wonder what horrors in child development led to such a depraved state of mind that one would reach so low to violate the fundamental rights of others. What is it like to be so enslaved by your passions that you can’t function normally in society, or have control over yourself? My faith tells me that God loves him, even though he is despised by many. That anger we feel against him is a poison, and will hinder our ability to trust our fellow man, serve our neighbor and love our community. We cannot let this happen.

Rose Rudman Park is also the home of the “Walk With a Doc” program, which is celebrating its 100th walk on April 18. It is fitting that the topic of that talk is “Exercise and Mental Health.” We cannot let our fear keep us from doing good. I hope many of you will join in, not just to do something good for your bodies, but also as an act of solidarity and support for the victim. Let us thumb our noses at anger, and celebrate love.

Dr. Janet Hurley is medical director of population health at Christus Trinity Clinic and board chair for the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. She practices family medicine at the Christus Trinity Clinic Herrington-Ornelas HealthPark.