REMEMBER

It is a bright beautiful morning on the west coast. The sun has risen and everyone is getting ready for school. Preparing for work or school, cartoons playing on the television. Suddenly, that all changed. The shatter of a plate on the ground, still quiet of disbelief, and the air rushed out of our chest. Is this real? Shaken and confused everyone responded in their own way. We saw Americans reach for inhuman bounds for others.

Romans 13:12 “The night is far gone; the day is at hand . So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

So it’s been nine years and I hear a lot of positioning and politics. We are at war in Afganistan and Iraq still. War weary we forget the carnage, the emotion and the resolve to see this through. I hear and see a lot of “we Remember” statements, but when I talk with others many barely remember more than the fringes. So now that your children are grown and time has changed how do you talk about it now.
Be honest! What did you feel, what did you do, how did you respond? My wife and I have made it a point to talk about it, not for purpose of fear, but to share the fortitude and commitment that everyone offered each other. We rallied together as Americans. Committed to seeing things through. Now it’s been nine years and we have returned to a mundane routine. Everyone is war weary and no longer have the commitment to see things through. Looking for who’s to blame for the war. We all desired to see those responsible brought to justice. Now we are given “politically correct” statements. Don’t use terrorist, give them rights as citizens, and get out as soon as we can.

My wife and I talked with our kids about all the details and experiences as well as what they remember. It doesn’t feel real anymore. We talk about the changes that have occurred. Security at airports and other facilities have been increased. Life is slower to ensure everyone’s safety. Life is now more complicated. We supported the decision to go to war and protect our way of life. We are still committed to see that decision through.

My wife and I have felt the sorrow of loss, cried for those lost, and remembered a time of fear and insecurity. We believe it is important that our kids understand that insecurity, but not live in fear today. We have decided to raise our children with compassion and love for others. Not telling them to just be walked over, but to care and respect all people. The lesson from September 11th should be the compassion we have showed each other during a time of heart ache and loss as well as a commitment to protect ourselves and our neighbors.

TEACH RESPECT! TEACH DETERMINATION!