As We Remember 9-11

Sitting at a JV Football game the other night when someone made this comment: "It's strange to think that not one of the players on that field were born before 9-11." It's hard to imagine that it has been that long since we experienced one of the most horrific days in American history. But this reality reminds us that we must be faithful to pass the baton of freedom to the next generation. To ensure that our children, and our children's children, are reminded of the courage and bravery of those who have gone before.

As I was searching through images of the many memorial to 9-11, I came across this beautiful quote. It stirred up another quote that I have often used (a quote that has seen some changes over time): "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." What a sobering thought. The terror that came against this country revealed glaring weaknesses in our national security. We were asleep at the wheel. However, what I would like to focus upon this morning is our response to 9-11. How in the aftermath of destruction we experienced the best of America.
We remember.

A few days after the planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, along with the downed plane in Pennsylvania, an ecumenical prayer service was called to bring a nation together. In that moment I was reminded of the greatness of America. I was reminded of the religious liberty that the founders of our nation longed to experience. I watched in amazement as men and women of various religious backgrounds, social status, political parties, etc. came together to seek healing, wisdom, and protection. The road to recovery would be long and difficult, but America would rise from the ashes.
We remember.

Immediately following the attacks, normal men and women gave of their time, their blood, and their resources to aid in the rescue attempts. Images of First Responders, Medical Professionals, Construction Workers, Feeding Ministries, and those who simply carried water to those amazing people flooded our televisions, computer screens, and newspapers. America. One Nation Under God. A people united in the midst of grief, but carrying an incredible hope for the future.
We remember.

What is it about grief that brings us together?
Is it then that we are reminded of our commonality? Is it the frailty of human life that gets our attention?
Here we are 15 years later and I pray to see this type of unity within our nation. That we would remember the best of humanity from moments like these, and determine within our hearts to never forget. That we would seek the betterment of our fellow man. And that we would see one another for who we truly are. Because...in those moments after 9-11...political parties meant nothing. Economic and social status did not matter. What mattered is that we were one.
We remember.

I do hope that one day we can look back on this day and see lasting changes that were made in our country and around the world. I pray that we will find a way to live in peace. That we will be able to look out to the nations and see children of the same God, images of the same Creator. That we will stop looking for ways to divide, and discover a way to unite. It should not take a catastrophic event to bring us together. There's more to humanity than this.

May we remember.

Father,

We pray for those who continue to grieve the loss of family and friends. We trust that they will experience your peace and comfort today in a special way.
We pray for our nation to be united. To discover the best of humanity and strive to bring it to the surface in every person. May we seek ways in which we can come together rather than dwelling on the things which bring division.
I pray for the Church in the midst of it all. May we be carriers of hope, peace, and love. May the Kingdom of Heaven be manifest through us. In love may we serve the needs of our fellow man.
I pray for the world during this day of remembrance. That we will know you in our grief and recognize how you are with us. That you long to bring healing into every heart, and every nation.

In Jesus' Name