Remember The Past With An Eye on the Future

Do you remember this picture of the NYC firefighters raising the American flag at ground zero after 911? Do you remember the countless numbers of people from across the country (First Responders, Disaster Relief volunteers and more) who raced to NYC to pitch in and help with the rescue and clean up? What about the public memorial and prayer services across the country? Ribbons and flags on our cars? A deep sense of national pride, unity and camaraderie permeated our country.

The act of terror on American soil touched every American in some way. One of my favorite images following that dark day of terror was September 15th (only 4 days after the tragedy) when members of Congress on both sides of the aisles joined together and sang God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol. I remember thinking at that time, "perhaps our unity and purpose really is greater than any difference we have." From tornadoes, to hurricanes, war, heinous community crimes, or specific social injustices, Americans have an incredible ability to pull together and help each other in the face of such tragedies. I'm still naive enough to believe that the American people are the greatest resource of our country!

Today, our country seems so divided over politics and the economy. The vitriol and finger-pointing coming from Washington to the campaign trail is sad in light of how we responded as a united people on 911 and to support the Gulf region after Katrina, our military in Iraq and Afghanistan and more recently, the devastating 2011 southern tornadoes.

Some may say it takes a tragedy to bring Americans together, but I don't buy it. While tragedy may ratchet up our awareness/urgency, I think it reminds us how precious life is and how blessed we are as a people and I believe our unity runs deeper than our political party affiliation. Sure we have honest differences and ideas about the best way for our country to proceed for the future, but we are in this together!

I think the church forgets this as well. Sometimes we get set on our particular concern/agenda, or area of ministry at the exclusion of the big picture and God's glory. The cause of Christ is ill-served by division and disunity. Worship ceases where there is division (I did not say differences).

When we remember 911 we honor the thousands of victims and heroes of that dark day. We remember that even the worst imaginable attack on a sovereign nation can't withstand a nation at prayer and countless acts of love, charity, unity, hard work and commitment.

This weekend let's remember 911, but let's do it with an eye on the future and with a unity of purpose that is so powerful it stifles any attempts to bring harm to innocent people both at home and abroad! A united nation is a formidable opponent to evil and terror because it rises out of the ashes of destruction.

Oh yeah, for those who are Christ-followers remember that Jesus said we are to be known by our love for one another, even when we disagree. I also believe that a united church (all Christ-followers) is indeed the most formidable opponent to the evil one and terror because at the end of the day love for one another lives beyond destruction.