Any time tragedy strikes, it leaves a mark.
What kind of mark has a lot of determining factors – the scope, the nature, the outcome, the collective response, your proximity.
Just as many tragedies before, 9/11 left a mark on those who sent through it, those of us who remember it, those who were directly affected by it, and those who only grew up hearing about it.
On 9/11/2001, I was a senior in high school. As you know, writing is how I deal with most things (if not everything). So naturally, I wrote a poem the day after. I’d like to share it. Keep in mind, it was written by a 17 year old. But think about it, as well, because the world is still in turmoil. The world still needs healing. We still need to do our part to come together to make this a better place for all who inhabit it.
What kind of world Do we live in? Where people have no respect No compassion - Where do I begin to Tell you about the conflict? Amazing, unreal, Unbelievable, but true, It puts you in awe of the mastermind. Affects ordinary people Like me and like you Looking for relief of any kind. But just on the other side Watching you see A light shining true at the end Because people are coming From all over to help. Strangers and neighbors and friends. The turmoil, the pain, The fire burns bright, but The people are pulling together tonight. Dedicated to all victims of the Attack on America, those killed, injured physically, injured emotionally, and ordinary people, like you and me, who are desperately looking for a way to help. ~CB, 9/12/01
Think of all the ways the world is hurting. Alone, maybe you can’t do anything. But remember, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Working together with the rest of His body, we can do great things in His name. There are still people who need help every day. Let’s each do our part to at least make the corner of the world that we live in a better, brighter place.
