I just finished watching some 10 yr anniversary 9/11 coverage.... I really hadn't planned on saying much in person or online about the anniversary today. I'll admit I am incredibly blessed not to have known anyone directly affected by the tragedy. I suppose I feel a little unqualified to say much. And yet, watching the coverage, I'm reminded that we're all affected in some way or another. Freedom and our way of life as a nation was attacked that day.
There have been many wars before this one and I recognize that I grew up in a post-world wars and Vietnam war era that my grandparents lived through. There are memorials in DC that I've visited but have no real connection to. I've never visited New York but I'll forever remember the day the towers came down and now the building of the memorial.
My children and grandchildren may someday ask me what I remember about the day that American life as I knew it changed. I'll tell them that I was in a high school English class. Our teacher took us to an assembly in the gym where the principle told us what had happened. I think at that point, both planes had hit. The teacher had us journal our thoughts and record where we were. We spent the rest of the day watching the classroom tv's and on the computers gathering information as it unfolded. In our last class of the day, the teacher (who had been at home that morning as she was part time) brought in a vhs of the coverage she'd recorded. She talked to us about Bin Laden and the seriousness that our world just changed forever.
It's amazing to me to think that there are children alive today who do not remember the events of September 11, 2001. In a way, this is evidence of our nation's resiliency and growth despite opposition. We will not back down, we will not succumb to the pure evil intentions of the enemy. In other ways though, its so much more sobering. These children do not remember a pre-9/11 world. All they know is our nation at war against those who would gladly take our freedom and consider us unworthy to co-habitate the planet.
In church this morning, we saw a video commemorating the anniversary. The main idea was centered around one of my favorite concepts: Faith, Hope and Love. Faith in God, Hope in Him, sharing His love with a hurting wold. It also addressed the resolution of the country: to never forget. Our challenge then is what we wish to remember. The terrorists' plot? The number of lives lost? Disdain for another nation?
Don't get me wrong, I fully support our troops and am thankful every day for the sacrifices they make so I can live such a privileged life. But real healing is never in retaliation. Its in the hands of Jesus. As we continue to rebuild structures and lives in our nation, let us focus on the master architect and supreme healer.
Even though so many spent the hours, days and weeks following the tragedy wondering where God was, His hands, feet, words and tears were on display even at Ground Zero. The firemen that rushed in, the countless Good Samaritans who helped others to safety, the relief workers, those who comforted and provided for grieving friends and family members....
How, in the face of such devastating grief and turmoil, did so much gentleness, compassion and sacrifice arise? Only because Christ first loved us, are we capable of loving, serving and sacrificing for one another. I'm not assuming that every act of grace or love that day or in the years following was enacted with the intention of being Christ's hands and feet but the evidence of what our Creator empowers us to share is there.
So instead of remembering why the enemy began this crusade against our freedoms (including those of religion) or the devastation that was inflicted, I want to remember how God's love was displayed and how His strength continues to sustain.
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