Have we Forgotten?

 I remember where I was. I remember going to work as a labor and delivery nurse that night and having the hospital on lock down and the presence of fear heavy in the air. I remember celebrating with families as new lives came into the world at the same time not knowing how to handle the wide variety of emotions I was experiencing due to the day’s events. So much tragedy, so much loss, yet so much opportunity for America to stand together, unified, and be reminded of what is important. All lives, our freedom, safety, and many blessings we take for granted everyday like jobs, families, running water, electricity, and emergency responders ready and waiting to help.

My heart pounds as I write this morning. Our country has changed a lot, but the American flags that flew on 9/12/01 are not on every car and every corner today. Lives are randomly taken because of hatred and self-centered arrogance. The value of being an American is discarded and traded for entitlement. The most common first response is to take instead of give. Tears come to my eyes this morning as I write, I have so much emotion about the many crisis points in our world today. Refugees and homeless, war, disease, poverty, economic instability and depression, politics…I get so weary of all the conflict that seems to be the common denominator of our world.

When I remember September 11th, 2001, I am so sad for all the people that suffered such immense loss. The loss spread across the country and across generations. I am sad for those who lost loved ones on that day, it must be heart-breaking to watch a country rocked by such tragedy slip back into apathy. We vowed to not forget…have we forgotten?

I am a peace-maker by nature. I don’t like conflict and avoid controversial topics of conversation because I don’t like to argue. So the hesitation to write this post is present, but my heavy heart just wants to salute the country that rallied that day. Americans felt united that day, fighting the same fight, protecting each other, praying for those hurting and those still missing, and reaching out to help. We were proud to stand together…have we forgotten?

This anniversary seems especially important as relationships between our police force and the communities that they serve have gone off the rails. Have we forgotten? Priorities need to be re-aligned and selfishness, arrogance, and single-mindedness need to be tamed no matter who you are, your profession, your race, or your citizenship. We all need each other. We all have a part to play in determining if our society will thrive or experience catastrophic collapse.  This morning as I write I also pray. I challenge myself and each one that reads this post to stop and remember what your true priorities are. Are we reaching and striving to promote peace in our communities and respect for all people? Are we teaching our children how to be good citizens and neighbors, or are we perpetuating prejudice and disrespect that lead to destruction? Are we remembering the impact of 9/11/01 and allowing it to change us for the better and learn from our history?

Please don’t forget.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he deliver them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:17-18 (NIV)