Reflections

September 11 brings memories that remain all around us. Construction at “Ground Zero” has languished. The Pentagon’s rebuilt side looks like a giant new band-aid is on the roof compared to the rest of the building. Memorials abound and more prominently the memories of those whose families were changed forever by that event. We remember the tragic loss of lives that day, but also the lives of those who were touched by their lives. And we can’t forget the hundreds since who have died in the battles that were undertaken since that time in the name of national security and “taking the battle to them” and “protecting our interests.” There is no question, we must recognize enemies when we come to know them and understand their intentions to destroy. At the same time, we would do well to remember that our lives are different because of 9-11 events. They are different because we have made the world different as a result of our fears and our self-interests and our inability to understand why anyone anywhere would be so motivated in such a self-destructive manner to do such a thing. 9-11 has educated us to madness, and meanness, but also to the capacity of sick hearts and lives, broken and suffering existence, and twisted ideologies bent on instilling fear above all other effects. The “lessons” that are so often referred to can create a callousness of mind, like a wound that does not heal, remaining putrid and festering and causing pain. Or we can discover that there is healing and help and hope from the voice of God to each of us that reminds us that He will have the last word. In the meantime, there is a mission of mercy to be performed, there is a ministry of healing to be undertaken, there is the mindful, purposeful, meaningful intent to bring blessing and hope to those who are without those things in their lives. That is the gift of God to us and that is the word that He gives for us to share. “I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus said. In Him we find more than enough to see us through everything…come what may.