September 11, 2001 in memoriam

What I remember is the Great Silence, the sense of disbelief, and the sense, for a brief period of time, that we were all in this together as Americans, comforting one another and standing up for one another.

I remember that the Sunday after September 11, the church was full. Perhaps after this great evil, we would turn to the things that matter: faith, family, our communities, serving one another.

I remember a Great Sadness at lives lost, the horror of seeing bodies falling, and learning of extraordinary acts of heroism by ordinany people on that day.

Psalm 46
God is our refuge and our strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult......
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

May we learn again, Lord, that you are our refuge -- not just my refuge or yours, but ours. May we learn to trust the strength of the cross, may we hope instead of fear, opening our hearts instead of closing them, sharing instead of hoarding, and coming together despite all differences. May we be brave without bitterness, speaking the truth in love, and forgiving one another, because Lord knows, we all need it. Amen.