Remembering 9/11

Events like 9/11 are defining moments in the country. They are so significant that people remember where they were and what they were doing when it happened. Ask anyone who was alive when President Kennedy was assasinated, or when Pearl Harbor was attacked. It awakens our realization that what we think is significant may not actually be as important as we make them after all.

I was in a crowded hospital surgery waiting room in Columbia, Missouri when I looked at the TV and saw the first tower of the World Trade Center burning and smoking. As people's attention turned to the TV, our shock was magnified when the second plane hit the second tower. At that point, no one really knew what was happening or who was responsible.

The Sunday following the attacks, churches of all sorts were filled with seekers, seeking peace, seeking help to make sense of the situation, searching for meaning for their life, even for salvation. But, it didn't take long for that seeking sense to wear away and most people returned to their regular way of life with little concern for anything.

Barna Research Group have recently documented that 9/11 has had at best, very little long-term spiritual siginificance to Americans. Though the threat looms large for another attack, we as a whole seem more concerned with our consuming way of life.

It seems that our nation-wide hightened spiritual search was little more then a fox-hole prayer; "God, if you're there, if you will get me out of this, I promise I"ll...." You can add many things people would promise God, go to church, not ask for anything from God again, tithe, etc.

Today as we remember the attacks and honor those whose lives were sacrificed and lost in the attacks and in the war against on those responsible as well as those who support their cause, our awareness of the presence of God and his closeness to his followers is important. But more than knowing he is near, that whatever may happen in this world, nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28). I.E., Trust God!

Psalm 33:3 The best instrument you have is your heart!