THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

The memory of the righteous is blessed.   Proverbs 10:7           

Memories are made up of various components.  Sights, sounds, textures, and aromas are among the fragments of life that can stir emotions when memories with certain people cannot be duplicated.  Of course, every day we live is a triumph for life.  Every day bears it opportunities and expressions for giving and receiving.  But often in the fullness of living, this truth is not foremost in minds and we may think that there will always be another day for expressing.  In reality, today—this moment—is our only certainty.  Memories remind us of that.           

The tenth anniversary of 9/11 is a time for memories.  Remembrances and memorials are ways that people can gather together to join with a nation that still feels the pains of sorrow and concurrently the blessings of hope.  Life has gone on; it shall continue to move forward.  However, special memorials will ignite memories that individuals may not even realize they house.  All lives on in the chambers of the heart whether or not we are aware of the existence of certain moments.  These memories are triggered at different times and often unexpectedly.  The gatherings on the weekend of 9/11 are sure to prompt some of those memories into the forefront of hearts and minds.  We can all expect the unexpected that day.           

How will you spend 9/11?  Will you gather somewhere for a memorial service?  Will you stay home and watch television coverage?  Will you donate time, talent or treasure to a certain charity?  Will you try to ignore the day and get past it because it is too difficult to face?  Only you can answer these questions.  But a question you cannot answer is what will your memories be on that day?  Swirling around inside of you may be the fullness of a moment you did not realize was alive inside of you.  God knows it is there.  God will be with you as you remember.           

God is the giver of life.  Jesus is the Redeemer of life.  In Him, the value of memories is kept timeless and priceless.  Even when recollections are painful, the grace of Christ’s presence can balance all.  God never wants us to suffer losses such that we think there is nothing left from what has been.  If all trust is placed in Jesus, then through His heart, memories are still meaningful, healing, and life-giving.  God’s interest is always in continuing. Sometimes this is done through weakness, sometimes strength.  Whatever the condition of our spirit during respective seasons, God is there.  God will always be there.  Trust His presence with you.           

However you spend the 9/11 weekend, may you take time to spend it with the Lord.  In prayer, in visits to special places, and in memory, may you share time with Him.  Because of His love for you, for me, and for all people, the Lord’s love will cover that day and infuse it with beauty and purpose. God, the Maker and Keeper of memories, can transform that which is painful into something meaningful if we let Him. May we let Him.

Lord of Love, You know the hearts of all people.  You know the pains and sorrows that some suffer and the challenges that some still face due to abrupt and tragic endings.   Lord, by the might of Your Spirit and the integrity of Your love, integrate yesterday, today, and tomorrow so that Your peace reigns in hearts.  In Thy Name, Lord Jesus, Amen.

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