Remembering 9/11

because so little has changed...

Three years after the horrific events of September 11th, 2001...and you would hardly know anything took place. Sporting events, Hollywood and the economy has once again taken over top spot in North Americans' minds, just as it was before.

This makes me sad.

I know that life must go on, but somehow, this is a little too quick of a return to the normal for my taste. And I suppose that I have a problem with "the normal" as well.

Only 3 years ago, 19 Muslim terrorists hijacked 4 planes and crashed them killing as many innocent people as they could. Hundreds died in the aircrafts, thousands died in the target buildings they aimed for. Among the dead some of the most noble citizen the US can boast (ex: the brave firemen, the courageous passengers of flight 93, and the many citizens on Washington and New York who have shown unbelievable character in the face of a terrible situation). We promised we would never forget. We promised we would honour every soul who perished on that terrible day. People filled the churches praying for God's favour and protection. Supposedly, on September 11th 2001, America had changed.

But today, the day before the 3rd anniversary of September 11th, 2001, what are people talking about? What is on their minds? What I hear is: "Did Kobe do it?" or "Did Bush slip out of his military service?" I don't see a somber people who have learned a difficult lesson, rather, I see a complacent people content to put out of sight and out of mind any thought that would cause them discomfort.

The Free World is content to revert back to life pre-9/11. And now we arrive at my problem. As far as I'm concerned, life before 9/11 brought on 9/11. To go back to the way things were, is to invite another 9/11. And you don't have to look too far back to see how this mentality is still costing lives: the tragedy in Beslan, the continual suicide bombings in Israel, the bombings in Jakarta...etc.


Prayer:

Father in Heaven, as we remember the tragedies which have played out and continue to play out around the World, as we remember the many victims of the fruits of false religion, we pray for the souls who have lost loved ones. We pray that you would comfort them in their grief, and that you would cause the light of your Son to shine into their hearts. Teach us Father, to be compassionate and caring, that we may be a source of sympathy and empathy for all who hurt.

Oh Lord, that your favour would be upon us, that You would protect our nations from our enemies. Righteous Father, give our leaders' wisdom and clarity, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness. Oh Lord, revive us and make us to be what we should be.

Father, give us as much grace, peace and mercy as You will in this dispensation of time, and Your will be done.

In Christ's name, Amen.