As our nation pauses to reflect on the events that took place on September 11, 2001 I have been mulling what your Daddy & I should impress upon you about this event in history.
Ten years later, the only effects you see are the security check points at the airport. I have broached the subject of 9/11 with you as you have inquired about why we have to be examined so thoroughly in order to fly. It is such a miniscule representation of the incredibly emotional experience 9/11 signifies for those of us who lived through that day.
I hope that one day our stories of where we were when the world as we know it changed forever--Daddy in Atlanta, working trauma at Grady Hospital while I was at work in Columbus, GA--will mean something to you. If nothing else, I hope they will communicate that every American felt rocked that day...and for days and weeks after. September 11th forever impressed upon us all why such acts are called terrorism.
Our illusion of security was shattered. Our feelings of superiority and invincibility were replaced by vulnerability, anger, sadness and loss.
Our nation mourned and we rallied. We lined up to give blood. We held vigil around our television sets for days, awaiting word that missing people had been recovered. 
Patriotism was at an all-time high, regardless of political party. Newscasters ended their nightly broadcasts with words like "God Bless America" and "Pray for our country."For a season we were really the United States of America-- in grief, in disbelief and in resolve. It is one of the great ironies of life that devastating tragedy was the catalyst for such unity.
It is also a reminder of the hatred and sin that exists in this world--as well as the courage and love we are also capable of as human beings. It is further evidence of humanity's great need of a Rescuer and increases my longing for Heaven.
I sincerely pray your lifetime never includes such an experience, but know that is not a promise I am able to make.
But one thing I know, there are things in this broken world that are stronger than hate: patriotism, hope, community, faith and love.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
I Corinthians 13: 12-13 The Message
2 comments:
I have a copy of a letter my grandfather wrote to my grandmother while he fought in Europe during WWII. His words "I fight so little Ronnie will never have to..." are forever imprinted in my heart.
Ronnie is my dad, who was ten days old when his father left for war. My dad grew up to join the Army during the Vietnam war, though he did not see combat. My brother was in the Army during Desert Storm. And now my son serves as a Marine during this Global War on Terrorism.
I just had a long and wonderful phone conversation with my son and we talked a lot about this anniversary and how the events of ten years ago shaped his life. I am sad that my children remember those television images but it is a gift, indeed, to get to speak to them as young adults now and let them share their thoughts.
Each generation prays that its war will be the last and that their sons and daughters will never know the heartache of a country at war. My prayer is that your children, and all children of such tender ages will not have such images in their minds and hearts. My prayer, daily, is for peace.
This was a beautiful post and I will be reading it often over the next few days.
Jennifer,
This was beautiful! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Linda
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