Reflections on 9-11, Ten Years Later

I’m sure you remember where you were Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001. Even though ten years have past, the memories of that day are as vivid as ever. I was huddled around a TV set watching those now iconic images of planes flying into buildings, people running, buildings falling, and the face of our world changing as we knew it. The world trade center terrorist act is one of those defining moments in our lifetime. The cautious naiveté that existed in us was shattered along with those towers and the 2749 individuals who were thrust into eternity that day.

People asked me where God was on September 11^th. Was He sleeping, busy, or simply not caring? Or maybe He was incapable of stopping the evil act?

I believe none of those responses are truthful. God was not absent on September 11^th. He was right there, in the buildings, comforting and supporting His children.

And I believe God was weeping. Because if I read my Bible correctly, especially John 11, the story of Lazarus, then the God we serve is a God who weeps when we weep. He hates evil more than we do. And He is a God of justice who will right the wrongs.

I have watched with both interest and sadness the events that have unfolded in the last ten years as people look to stamp out terrorism, and perhaps even more, get even with those who hurt us. I don’t want to make a political statement, just an observation. Will we ever be “even”? Will we ever feel like we’ve won? Will the war on terror really be won this way? Will we feel better when we kill 2750 of “them”?

Doubtful. Because revenge never rights an injustice. Maybe Jesus was truly onto something when He told us to love our neighbors. Bless those who persecute us. It sounds so hard, and it really is. But maybe it’s a path that God honors.

I don’t have the answer, other than our world needs Jesus now more than ever. He is the great peace maker, and it is only as we surrender to Him that we find the peace and hope we are most desperate for.

How are you reflecting and remembering September 11^th? Write your thoughts below.