Today, 9/11, is a day that we will long remember. We remember where we were when we heard the terrible news. We remember the sorrow.
This is the 2001 Christmas card that the White House mailed just a few months later. I remember weeping when I heard the Bible verse that was included in this card.
"I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." Ps. 27:13
Ed and Sam visited the 9/11 Memorial last month. Sam was born two years after the day that changed our country, that changed lives and a city skyline. My labor nurses asked if I wanted Sam to be born on 9/11. I declined. I told them I wanted him to be born the next day, a day that was still tainted with sadness but also with hope.
Ed was moved by this stark memorial, with two pools where the two towers once stood, and with walls carved with the names of those who lost their lives there.
My heart was once again filled with sorrow last night. A life, once again, cut short by evil.
I found myself turning to this verse.
The saints are now in the Church Triumphant. But we, in the land of the living, are still in the Church Militant, fighting for the faith. Like any battle-weary soldier, I am tired. There are days like today when I throw my hands up, look to the sky, and say my earnest prayer "Come, Lord Jesus!"
I am looking for the goodness of the LORD today.
"Wait for the LORD, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD." Ps. 27:14
I am tired, too, Mary Rose. When my daughter told me about Charlie, I was making dinner. I had to take myself to the living room so I could sit, because my body felt crumpled by the weight of evilness in this world. I found myself shouting out to God, "When? When does this end? He was defending YOU. Those children were praying to YOU. I know Jesus has the victory in the end, but can goodness get a major win here on earth please?" I was very upset - and weary. Light casts out darkness, though, and Jesus is light, so we press on.
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