9/11 REMEMBERED - 9/14 WHAT NEXT?

On Friday, most of us remembered the tragedy of 9/11. While many of us didn’t know those who died that day, all of us are linked through citizenship in the freest land on earth. On Saturday, thousands marched on Washington or met in our local communities for the 9/12 Project, a day to let our voices be heard about over spending in government. Now, it is 9/14 - so what? What does all of this mean? It probably has a different meaning for each one of us. What it means to me is that I cannot rest in my omplacent place but must stand up and be counted and have my voice heard too. We can all agree to disagree while respecting each other’s right to speak. Isn’t that amazing?! We all want what we believe is best for us and for the country as a whole. Let us reach out in love and harmony with quiet voices, heavily laden with the cause as we see it, and find solutions to our nation’s needs. Will all needs be met? No. Will all questions find answers? No. That is the process of life in this earthly home. Let us make peace with the questions and complexities, knowing we will not solve all the ills of this life, so that we may find solutions and help to create programs that benefit the greatest number of people. When our neighbor is hungry, let us feed them. When our friend is ill, let us visit them. When those we know are in jail or the prison of their hopeless mind, let us minister to them. But, the key is, let us do and say what we can, when we can. Let us pray:

“Father of all, the rich and the poor, the saint and the sinner, we praise your holy name. May your kingdom come to earth, as has always been your plan, that we may live in love and harmony and in fellowship with others and with you. I pray today to have my eyes opened to the needs of those around me. You have told us that the poor will always be with us, but perhaps we can do something about the hungry who are among us. Show us where we can lift someone out of their poverty and need, and walk with them as they find health and hope. Let us see the reality of what is enough for ourselves so we can give with an extravagantly generous spirit. Forgive me when I have wanted more and more in some effort to make myself more worthy. You alone have made each of us worthy of your love and grace. It all belongs to you, oh Father. Let me never forget that it is only on loan to me. To you I give all praise and glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”