On the evening of September 11th, 2001, a hastily organized somber service was held in one of New York City’s largest churches. Crowds of both believers and nonbelievers gathered, seeking solace and hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy. As Frederick Buechner wrote in “Beyond Words,” “In such times all we can do is to draw close to God and to each other as best we can.”
I vividly recall that day. I was getting ready for work when my daughter called, urging me to turn on the television. The horrific images of the Twin Towers collapsing were seared into my memory. Panic and fear swept through the nation as the reality of the terrorist attacks sank in.
My wife and I spent the rest of the day glued to the television, checking on friends and family. The sense of uncertainty and loss was overwhelming. It was during this time that our neighbors, Tom and Casey, knocked on our door, offering cocktails and snacks and saying, “No one should be alone today.” Their gesture of kindness and support was a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness.
Before that day, Tom and Casey were merely acquaintances. However, their compassion and empathy during the crisis forged a deep bond between us. Their presence served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, humanity’s capacity for love and support can shine through.
The world changed irrevocably on September 11th. While the consequences of that day continue to unfold, the enduring lesson is the importance of drawing close to others and finding solace in faith or spirituality. As Buechner reminds us,”There is nothing that happens, not even hell, where God is not present with us and for us.”
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