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Members of First United Methodist Church, Killeen,
Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001, when you heard about the Islamic terrorist attack on our nation? What were you doing the moment you heard? What was your reaction?
I was attending Duke Divinity School and was in my Systematic Theology class, taught by the now deceased professor, Dr. Geoffrey Wainwright. He made the announcement about the World Trade Center attack; and the class was stunned. Dr. Wainwright was visibly distressed. One of his daughters worked near the Twin Towers. As he was dismissing class for the day, he received a call…from his daughter! She was emotional, but okay. We saw relief wash over Dr. Wainwright’s face. After being dismissed from class, we stood shoulder to shoulder, in the Student Union building, watching the news. In complete horror and disbelief, we saw Flight 77 crash right into the Pentagon!
Like zombies, we made our way to the various campus parking lots to head home. As I was picking up my high schooler and elementary school-age daughter, I passed familiar businesses, noting the price of gasoline had already doubled! I stopped by the grocery store to stock up on groceries, anticipating the fact that we needed to prepare for the worst.
By Sunday morning, American flags were raised everywhere. Church parking lots were full. Americans everywhere had the same idea. We needed to draw near to God, in uncertain times. I happened to be preaching at our church on that Sunday. I preached a sermon called, “Shake, Shake, Shake!”
Today, the world is still shaking…we had massive flooding in Texas, claiming the lives of hundreds. We have had a recent shooting at a Catholic Church, killing two children and injuring many others. Just yesterday, there was a political assassination, as well as Russia’s attack on Poland. These are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of “current events.” Yes, the world is shaking!
Where do we find solid ground? Is there “common ground,” anywhere? I believe we can only find solid ground and common ground, upon the sure footing of our faith. Faith must be based upon, “love of God and love of neighbor.” Jesus says these are the two greatest commandments. If we can DO these two things, we can find common ground to stand upon.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed on 9/11/2001. Additionally, the first responders, and observers, exposed to atmospheric ash and toxins, continue to experience the life-long effects of that exposure. Our children and youth were not even born on that day; so, we must tell them about the harm that hating one another inflicts upon humanity. We must ensure that those who lost their lives on that now (sadly), infamous day, will live on in our hearts and in our minds. WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
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