The picture above is one of my favorite memories from the aftermath of 9/11. There's just something about seeing our President, overcome with grief, filled with emotion, and standing with resolve that affects my heart. Our nation needed a leader in this moment and I believe we found one. Regardless of what people may think about George W Bush, his approval ratings went through the roof after this tragedy. What he had to say, and how he responded moved our nations beyond political and social divide. He struck at the heart of the greatness found within our people. We rallied around him and he around us. I believe this picture captures the essence of the type of leader he was for America. He was real, he was himself, and he cared.
The point of today's blog isn't to praise George W Bush, nor is it meant to simply focus upon the tragedy our nation faced. What I want us to reflect upon is the sense of community and unity that our country lived in over the following weeks. In the people around us we found hope, comfort, resolve, and the presence of God. We were reminded of the importance of "one another" and it made a huge difference as we attempted to move forward.
It's sad fact of life that tragedy often brings out the best in us, but I'm glad to see it come out. I love seeing people give of themselves. Kids making sandwiches and cookies for first responders. People willing to volunteer their time to go through the rubble looking for survivors. Chiropractors taking their practice to the streets to help realign those who were working so tirelessly. People carrying water, serving food, and caring for kids. This is the best of our nation. They may not be in the limelight but they are willing to serve. They see the necessity of "one another" and it makes a difference.
Regardless of how I got to where I am today, I'm grateful that God has allowed my focus to be fixed in this area. Community, unity, common ground, love - all the things that we often get neglected through distraction. Days like today remind me to be intentional. That relationships really do matter. And that in the end, my relationship with God is best judged by my relationship with others.
While many of our news stations will focus upon the tragedy itself and the stories that come from those who lost loved ones, I want us to reflect upon the newly discovered unity that our nation felt. I remember the memorial service that came as a result of 9/11. It was ecumenical in it's design (which brought some criticism) but powerful for our nation. It reminded us of the importance of God in our midst and that we could cross denominational lines to work together. Yes...once again, it's amazing how tragedy brings out the best in us. However, I will say again how grateful to see these things rise to the surface.
Let us remember that disasters do not have to occur for us to live out the best qualities of life. Let us be challenged to always keep our love on, our compassion stirred up for others, and mercy to be our first response. Let us recapture a sense of community within our churches, schools, subdivisions, and nation. Not a "Utopia" where everything is perfect but a living, breathing reality of what the Kingdom of God can be on the earth. A place where people matter because they are made in the image of God. A nation where God is put in proper perspective and life flows out of Him. May we never forget the lessons we learned 12 years ago. Our prayers are with the families that still grieve, our nation that continues to recover, and the church that still stands as a beacon of hope in the world. Allow today to bring out the best in us.
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