September 11

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

(Romans 12:17-18)

 As you read this blog, some of you may wonder why we are holding a “Pep” Rally on September 11, especially with it being the tenth anniversary.

I pondered a similar question ten years ago, the week following the attack.  We had planned to join with another congregation around a funny musical, performed by several of their members highlighting God’s goodness and our response to these gifts.  Many organizations were canceling events in an effort to show respect.  Also, the level of grief, shock, and uncertainty left so many unable to take in much beyond making sense of that day, caring for one another, and the big unknown of what comes next.

After much discussion and prayer, we decided to go forward as planned.  We remembered and prayed for the depth of loss and injury and need for care too many faced as the ripples continued to spread outward from Pennsylvania, the Pentagon, and NY City.  Then, we made a choice.  We chose to turn toward the only hope we have when faced by this depth of darkness.  We turned toward God and remembered, nevertheless God provides what we need: love, goodness, and a way beyond … with a light no darkness can overcome.  So, as the actors took the stage, we laughed and we enjoyed the music and offered each other words of healing, as we came together in Jesus’ name.  It was the right choice.

As our nation approaches the tenth Anniversary of September 11, we also have a choice before us.  We can remember those first days after the dust settled and we witnessed heroic and ordinary acts of reaching out, coming together, and a desire to respond to neighbor, stranger, and those closest to us with love and generosity and healing.  Or we can continue the way of darkness we started following months later, as we let uncertainty, fear, anger, stereotypes, blame, violence, a desire for revenge at any cost, greed, and feelings of scarcity grow in our hearts.

You don’t have to look hard to see the consequences of following that way.

Thanks be to God, this is not the only story we have to tell or live.  On this September 11, 2011, I invite you to join me in remembering and celebrating and choosing to follow the way God gives us through his Son Jesus.  This way also passes through the valley of the shadow of death.  But, the difference we find making our way through these times of darkness or facing any evil we may encounter along the way is that we will not let fear get the best of us.  As we walk, we will remember we do not go alone.  God is with us.  And, to help us trust this, we will keep telling the old, old, story of Jesus and His love.  A love so deep and wide for the world, it took Jesus face-to-face with evil, oppression, scarcity, and death on the cross.

Yet, none of these could stop God.  In Christ, God shows us nothing can separate us from God’s love and there is light beyond even the darkest valley.  For following this good shepherd, we will always find what we need for nourishment, thirst, shelter, protection, and abundant life.  Following this good shepherd we discover how to love, reach out to those we do not know, and see the unity we share through him.  And, with time following this way, violence gives way to peace, scarcity gives way to enough for all, and divisions give way to reconciliation.

I think this is a great reason to hold a Pep Rally.  So, come!  Gather with those who remember and those who were not yet born.  Proclaim this good news about Jesus! “For our children and our children’s children will get in on this as the word is passed along from parent to child … for God has done it!” (Psalm 22: 30-31, The Message Translation)  Amen!

God’s Grace is Sufficient for You,  Pastor Lori C. Morton