September 11, 2001. We all remember where we were, who we were with, and what unfolded. In one instant, one moment, one event, one act of evil the world changed for each of us. It has not been the same sense.
Today, seven years after 9/11 the country has paused again to remember. What is striking about the news coverage today is the theme of Oneness. Indeed, in moments of such tragedy all the separations of class, race, status, political affiliations, doctrine, and all other divisions, seem to fade away. When events of life changing magnitude touch us all so profoundly we recognize and even act as if we are one.
Listening to CNN coverage of the memorials and remembrances this morning, I was struck by one story in particular. The story came from the floor of the NYSE where the commentator was reading from a letter, penned, I believe, by an employee in one of the buildings which collapsed. The letter, in the face of unthinkable evil, focused on the collapse of human walls on that fateful day. The writer told of the care of one for another which unfolded as the people of NYC forgot everything which divided them and simply helped one another get out of the unfolding carnage. Black helping white, even as each were turned solid gray by the soot enveloping them, rich helping poor even as the symbols of wealth and status were crumbling around them, and busy disinterested New Yorkers engaging nameless faces with no regard for payback or commendation.
Amidst the reality of tragedy we all gain a new perspective on what it means to be human. When all the trappings of this life are pulled away from us and all we have left is our soul, our humanness, our compassion, beauty and oneness emerge from the rubble of life. Let us be reminded today that in an instant all that we know, hold dear, and cling to for safety can be snatched away. In the span of one breath life can change altogether. It is during those moments we become aware of our need for something, someone, MORE.
As we take time to remember 9/11, may we also remember we are called to be one in love and deed. Such oneness, in daily life, ought to define us. Such oneness, attainable only through the One who offers such ability, is desperately needed in our world today.
May we be one in Him, who offers us the key to the riddle of life and offers us life to the full. As Jesus, prayed, “Father make them one even as you and I are one”.
Amen,
Bruce Smith
optimuslife.org