Good morning…
Yesterday, September 10th, was the first anniversary of a very significant loss. Loved ones leaned in, joined together, and shared love. Today, September 11th, is the seventeenth anniversary of another devastating loss. Our nation leans in, joins together, and resists hate.
I am reminded of the life altering effects of 9/11/01 as I read these words written by a speaker I saw this summer.
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The Last Arrow by Erwin Raphael McManus
“There was a cultural moment when I felt as if our whole nation dialed 911. It was September 11th, 2001. Like so many others, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center and sent our country into crisis. I am convinced that many of us have been marked by that day and that, as a result of it, either consciously or unconsciously, many of us have made decisions that have altered the course of our values, decisions, and even our lives… Sometimes we forget that people respond differently to trauma. At the same time, it is those moments when we are confronted with the uncertainty of life that allows us to see ourselves more clearly. Even as I write these words, I am a few hours away from learning the results of a recent biopsy. But I am convinced of this: you must not allow fear to steal your future… What I call ‘911 moments’ are those times when there is a clear line of distinction between fear and faith… If 9/11 taught me anything, it was to save nothing for the next life, to do what must be done, to say what must be said, to write words that must be written, and to live the life that must be lived.” (23-25)
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Every day, every month of every single year is an anniversary of someone’s painful loss. We do well to lean in and join together, sharing love, resisting hate. We do what must be done, say what must be said, and write words that must be written, day by day. Choosing faith over fear, we live with God the life that is ours to live.
And He said to them, “Where is your faith [your confidence in Me]?” (Luke 8:25, AMP).
…Sue…
