Remembering Difficult Days: The 15th Anniversary of 9/11

Yesterday marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. After 15 years, the pain still stings the many families who lost loved ones on that day. The memories still haunt those who survived the attacks, and live with the trauma of the devastation. Memorials and moments of silence permeate the places where many lost their lives. Our nation still feels the weight of the loss of that day. In the midst of the tragedy, America came together to unite and show their support to the families who lost loved ones that day, and mourn the tragic loss of that day.

As Christians, we’re called to “bear one another’s burdens,” (Gal. 6:2), and to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). During this day, we need to remember and pray for the families of those who lost loved ones, to grieve with them, and remind them that they’re not alone. We’re going through Galatians at our church right now, and I’m reminded of the freedom that we have in Christ, and how this freedom leads us to love our neighbor. We are not meant to do life alone, and we are all intrinsically connected with one another, as we are all image-bearers of God. When tragedy strikes someone, we also need to enter into their pain to show them that we’re there to support them.

Though there are so many religious, political, cultural, and ethnic divisions in our society today, something that unites people is remembering difficult days such as this day. In the midst of an upcoming election, and people’s various political views, we can all agree on the devastation of the loss of life, and how we need to support one another in the midst of tragedy. Also, in the middle of tragic times, we can also see the strength and hope that people have, and the resilience and courage of people, as they continue to live and grow in compassion to others, and to rebuild and move forward.

I’m grateful for the many men and women who were the first-responders of that day, and who courageously saved and helped many get to aid and safety. I’m also grateful for the many men and women in our armed forces who continue to risk their lives, so that we can live in freedom. It is truly amazing to think about the courage of all of these people, and it inspires me to live in a way to serve others, and to live courageously in the midst of difficult days.