Today marks the anniversary of a horrific and deadly act of terrorism that occurred in our nation. This act caused the deaths of 2,996 people with thousands more injured. For those who survived, the events of this day continue to impact their lives and overall health.
As a nation we live in the aftermath.
Prior to 9/11, in the years right before the attacks, we were not officially involved in any war anywhere in the world. But since 9/11, we have been at war in some capacity somewhere. It almost feels as if our anger over what was done to us has spilled out. We lost our innocence. We no longer trust. We are lashing out.
Prior to 9/11 we did not have the amount of surveillance we do today. We seem to be a nation preoccupied with our security and safety and we are overprotective of our privacy. I don’t know about any of you, but I feel at times like a fish in a fishbowl. Always being watched. I have a camera covering the hallway right outside my office. I work in a church.
Prior to 9/11 we did not have to have security scans to get on a plane and now we do. We didn’t have to be at the airport two hours before a flight or take off our shoes. And now we do.
And now, after 9/11? We seem to be at war with the world around us and we have become angry. We are lashing out in our grief over our losses from 9/11. We spend billions more on defense. And our soldiers are dealing with the trauma of the many wars we are fighting. They carry the scars of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and bodily injuries. Depression and suicide haunt them.
We are grieving. And we are angry. And we need to find our way back to peace.
On this anniversary, that marks a terrible day where too many lost their lives to senseless violence. I pray we will all take a moment to be in a place that brings us peace. If even for just a moment. Take a walk. Sit in a garden. Have dinner with friends. Laugh. Love. Most importantly, we need to live bravely, and boldly and not hide behind our security cameras in fear.
I wonder if that isn’t the best way to honor those who died on this day. Live our lives to the best of our ability as we spread love and kindness and let go of our anger and fear.
In remembrance of all who died on this day.
Peace,
Beth
Beth's Blog 