Friday, September 10, 2021
Greetings, Dear Friends in Christ –
Thank you for the opportunity to share another Selah posting with you on the topic, “Why?”
This weekend we are honoring families, friends, coworkers, and heroes of September 11, 2001. Many of us remember exactly how we felt on 9-11. From the evil, atrocities, and cowardice that drove the two planes into the New York Twin Towers, to the evil that drove into the Pentagon, to United Flight Number 93 whose passengers chose to crash the plane in Shankesville, Pennsylvania, in order to save lives, there are likely millions of stories that can be expressed regarding 9-11.
I was working on Capitol Hill when I noticed people seemed to be walking hurriedly past my office. I was on a call, and had not yet heard the news about the first plane. After my call ended, I went into our conference room where several staff had gathered to find out what was going on and watch the news coverage. Many of our staff needed to be near each other.
We watched in horror as news broadcasts showed (over and over again), the deadly crash that set in motion what was to follow. While sharing, hoping, praying, crying, and trying to understand the first crash, there, in real time, was the second. One of my coworkers started sobbing in my arms.
We comforted each other, and wondered, if another attack might be destined for the White House or the Capitol Building. No one knew what was going on. Other events would unfold, and details would be released. The devastating effect of watching people lose their lives was beyond comprehension. Why? Why would someone do something so cruel?
I stood in the office with my executive director—watching the smoke come from the Pentagon. Our staff was given the freedom to decide whether or not we wanted to remain at work of go home. I chose to go home—driving out a normally heavily-traveled stretch of roadway—I noticed no other car in sight. It was so quiet. What would happen next? Why would someone do something so cruel?
We each have our stories. . . . What is yours?
Now, 20 years later, we contemplate 9-11-2001, reflect, remember, and give honor to all who served as first responders. We honor ordinary citizens, who wanted to do something to help—so they went to New York. We honor all of the stories that have been told, and will be told from generation to generation. We must hear and share the stories. It helps us to share our common humanity, connect, hope, and live as global and local citizens.
Jesus said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
When Jesus was preparing for His sacrificial and physical death on the cross, He told the disciples what they would need to know—how to survive once He was not there. Just as we ask questions about 9-11, we remember Jesus’ Words.
As our Lord’s Words were for the disciples, so too, are they for us. We remember Jesus because He told us trouble would come. Why? Because people, who desire to do evil, are in our world. So Jesus told us to be encouraged, to take heart, for a reason. He has overcome. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit—with each act of evil, we counter with good. With the Help of the Holy Spirit—with each act of hatred, we find the good. Trusting in God’s Spirit—with each act of oppression, we choose love and liberty. We will never forget 9-11. We will never forget Jesus’ death on the cross to set us free.
I am so grateful Jesus’ death did not end in the grave. He got up! Hallelujah! Why? The Father raised Jesus from the dead! Why? We needed salvation. Why? We needed to be set free from the power of sin and death. God removed the sting!
People flocked to churches and other houses of worship after 9-11. The coronavirus pandemic has changed that for many of us. So, may our hearts flock to the foot of the cross, and give praise and honor to our Everlasting Lord while honoring the sanctity of human lives taken (and given) that day.
I pray we are able to hear and share stories that capture the best of the human spirit. The Lord bless all of the families and people impacted by the loss of 9-11. May He keep us in perfect peace, and remind us that we, in Christ, have the victory.
Until next time, My Friend,
Selah