It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine...
9/11
Five years later and it still feels fresh.
Watching the coverage reminds us of the people who have personally been impacted.
Today they were reading the list of names at ground zero - it was moving...
CBS ran it without commentary - just the names - simple - powerful - no spin - moving.
NBC ran it behind the voices of their talking heads and experts reviewing the political ramifications.
ABC ran Regis and Kelly.
I chose CBS.
Five years ago I heard about the tragedy driving into work at Spring Lake Wesleyan. I remember feeling angry, dazed, numb, and trying to process what was happening. I wanted to just sit and pray and listen and watch. I knew that we would need to be available to the church on this day. Honestly - I wasn't looking forward to being there for everyone else - I wanted to just deal with it myself and my family. Maybe, I had this attitude because I felt that I couldn't share in the moment - that I had to some how rise above it to be available, when perhaps the best thing I can bring is a shared experience - feeling it together - processing it together - questioning together - seeking God together... I resist the "holy man" syndrome, but it is so easy to fall into those expectations.
So, today, I again share grief and mourn those lives lost. I am frustrated that this event has become political and an opportunity for people to point fingers, blame, and huff and puff... Let's make today a day about the names.
Psalm 39:4-7
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
"But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
peace,
sd
Five years later and it still feels fresh.
Watching the coverage reminds us of the people who have personally been impacted.
Today they were reading the list of names at ground zero - it was moving...
CBS ran it without commentary - just the names - simple - powerful - no spin - moving.
NBC ran it behind the voices of their talking heads and experts reviewing the political ramifications.
ABC ran Regis and Kelly.
I chose CBS.
Five years ago I heard about the tragedy driving into work at Spring Lake Wesleyan. I remember feeling angry, dazed, numb, and trying to process what was happening. I wanted to just sit and pray and listen and watch. I knew that we would need to be available to the church on this day. Honestly - I wasn't looking forward to being there for everyone else - I wanted to just deal with it myself and my family. Maybe, I had this attitude because I felt that I couldn't share in the moment - that I had to some how rise above it to be available, when perhaps the best thing I can bring is a shared experience - feeling it together - processing it together - questioning together - seeking God together... I resist the "holy man" syndrome, but it is so easy to fall into those expectations.
So, today, I again share grief and mourn those lives lost. I am frustrated that this event has become political and an opportunity for people to point fingers, blame, and huff and puff... Let's make today a day about the names.
Psalm 39:4-7
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
"But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
peace,
sd
Comments
When I remember that day - September 11, 2001...my thoughts invariably go to Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Blessed be the name of the Lord.