9/11 reflections

What was I doing on 9/11/01? I was having my car repaired. As well, others observing, in a small waiting room on an overhead television, in shock, what was initially thought to be an aircraft accident on a tower located in New York City. It didn't take us long to realize that these events were acts of terrorism.

Why would anyone want to hurt a country who has done nothing but give to the world each and every time a crisis occurred? Who opens its arms to helping the oppressed? Who educates and feeds and supplies equipment and medicines to those who will never be able to repay? Who sends soldiers to help guard their countries from invasions and worse? Who as a whole, wants to make this a better world for all? Who has been a shining example of what it means to be a good neighbor...

I woke up thinking about the horrible event, having seen 9:11 constantly that week, each time I looked for the time, as if someone was reminding me. It made me eerily recall a story about Mary who worked at a laundromat years ago, saying that she saw Dec. 7, 1941, written in red, drippy letters on a cellar wall, just prior to the Pearl Harbor invasion.

Things happen in this world that we cannot explain. How people just happened to be where they were as if they were summoned for a horrible cause: "Hero's." We saw love in action, here on our own land, without discrimination. Because, that's who we are. We know the reaction here in the states, but what was the mood elsewhere? Sadness was felt throughout the world, even by those in countries who didn't share the feelings of the rest of the inhabitants of that country. Recently, I read a book in which I was enlightened as to the state of one woman in a country where women are invisible. The 9/11 chapter gave me some insight.

This woman who didn't know where to place her sadness, and had arrived, passenger number 32A at Kennedy, deposited her abbayah in an overhead bin, because she chose to never wear it again, stepped out into her cultural home and beloved city, finally free, following the 9/11 event.

She was then, and always will be a Muslim American. While abroad, she learned first hand of the celebrations, and as they ate cake, the venom sped from their lips, saying we murder. We deserved this and it was our turn. She refused to be drawn in by hate, recalling the deeds of a people and a place of compassion, who worked together for the greater good. A place that did not fear expression, voice, and are allowed to think for themselves.

Who do we blame? What happens when a truth is distorted? What happens when people follow blind leaders? Do we blame religion or religious books? No. We have a choice, (at least in this county we are free) and, we are called to love our fellow human beings, to forgive and to pray for them. We are directed by a loving God to love our brother, anything else is a lie. Radicalism is an evil that must be crushed out everywhere, by good and loving people.

Who will have the last word in this, as today we are reminded by misguided individuals that can spark up old wounds, causing, with their misdeeds, the world to become even more unstable? The answer was clear that day as it is today. The cross forged by two falling pieces of steel beams, lights the way, giving us a clear directive. It is a heavenly reminder that we are not alone, and that we never will be. In the end, it isn't our race or creed, religion, that will sustain us in this world, but a loving Father.

A prayerful answer has come. We can hope. Can we count on your love and your prayers? Maybe it's been some time for you? Know that you are missed. Sunday, would be a great time to start to reaquaint yourself with a church of your choice.

Above all, "Let there be Peace on Earth" "The Peace that was meant to be" "And, Let it begin with me."