May We Never Forget
Originally written on September 11th, 2019
18 years ago, what would seem like an ordinary day, was forever changed. Hatred and violence marred the day and changed the world with it. Countless lives were lost. Fear was everywhere. We as people needed love so desperately in the following days.
And amidst such hurt, brokenness, grief and sorrow, love showed up. Love showed up in the selfless sacrifice of so many heroes that did everything they could to protect and save others around them. Love showed up in communities as we came together to offer love and support to our neighbors. Love showed up when so much of the world cried and grieved with us as we were hurting. Even in dark times, love has the power to cast a light in the dark places, and such light cannot be put out. Love never fails.
As we remember such a dark time in our history as a country and as the human family, may we also remember that on that day and every day, love shows up.
Also, as we are quite resolved to never forget, let us also remember that while so many lives were lost that terrible day, lives continue to be lost every day. Brokenness is everywhere around us, and we are called as people to be there in dark places. We must offer love, hope, kindness, forgiveness and reconciliation to the brokenness of our world. We cannot allow such fear to dwell in our hearts. By doing so, we lose faith in our human family. We begin to doubt people around us that have good intentions. We become isolated in ourselves, yet existing in an ocean of human life all around us.
Hatred can only breed further hatred. Violence cannot be our answer. It is a natural reaction to want to respond to such hurt with pain and suffering tenfold to the ones that inflicted it upon us. In the end, what has such acts accomplished?
As a Christian, I am called to love others. Not just good people, but all people. I am taught that I must love my enemies and pray for them, even when they do such terrible things that we deem unforgivable. It's something I struggle with daily as a person who tries to believe. Nonetheless, it is our charge and banner to carry in this world. We must carry the banner of love with us, and carry it long. At times, it will hurt. At times it most definitely will not be joyous. However, it is only through the power of love that we can help heal and come together to lift up each other as we suffer. For in our woundedness and brokenness, others see a source of strength. They see hope. Above all, they see love.
Each and every day, we wake up with the opportunity to love and care for others in the world. I implore each and every one of you to choose love daily. Show compassion to those that suffer. Buy a stranger a meal. Yes, it's scary to do such things. But to love another carries great risk and also great reward.
As we remember today all the hurt, all the pain, and all the anger, let us never forget also that love showed up.
Amen.
