9/11

It is a solemn day, as it should be, for all of us.  We all share in this life, this world, and, when one is taken (or many) we should stand in solidarity in love.  We have all paid a price in this terrorist attack ten years ago.  We've all lost someone or something.  I don't believe for one minute that this attack was just a stab in the dark at America, even if that is what "they" think.  It hurt the world.

I remember where I was:  physically, spiritually, and emotionally that day.  I think we all do.  I was likely as afraid for my life (and my family and neighbours) as the next guy.  I didn't have to be in the commotion to feel like I was part of the terror.  However . . .

. . . there was my Faith.

Connor didn't get home from school until just after 5pm that day (if I remember correctly), because soldiers were boarding every bus and rig that tried to enter the Fort that day.  But, I didn't care how long it took for him to be returned to me . . . only that he was.  My younger two were with me all day, and, except for that short trip out to the dentist to check Christian's tooth he'd knocked out the night before (which, I had restored to its proper place, thank you very much), we waited.

I waited to hear from Dan.  He was overseas on an unaccompanied tour right in the middle of our aggressors waters . . . when he called, my heart was restored to me.  I had my kids with me and he could rest easy in our relative safety (at least for the time being).  And, again, we had our Faith.

The things of this world can shake me, move me, and eventually lay me flat . . . but I stand convinced of this:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39).

There is great benefit in having Faith.  He restores all things:   the Earth, people, our souls, and our livelihood.  Our outlook, even!  When we see others through His eyes, we are compelled to love . . . even when it is difficult to love our enemies, Jesus insists that we must!  I do not want to harbor hatred in my heart - it's such a heavy burden.  Let Christ lift off the yolk of this world for you, so that you can lovingly mean it when you pray, "Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. . . . "

St. Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis.  Amen.