Sometimes Life interrupts our daily routine, the way year after year we are kept running on autopilot. Sometimes Life rattles us with shockwaves to force us into a different state of awareness. Sometimes Life introduces us to unspeakable death, challenging us to turn a marginalized existence into a meaningful one. Rarely does a defining time happen--maybe only once in a generation.
What now after the "world changing" events of 9/11? That day saw horrific tragedy. Yet, there could be a far, far worse tragedy to come, following on its heels. We should really be afraid of letting this awful loss come to naught. If nothing of any depth happens in the aftermath--beyond the songs and the flags, the tears and the prayers, and the slogans and the moments of silence-- then we, indeed, have much to fear.
To rebuild the buildings of a city pales in scale compared to that of redirecting our lives in selfless dedication. There can be no greater memorial to those who lost their lives than for us to change ours. Charity can be an easy kind of love and get us off the track. In tracing the footsteps of all the firefighters, police, and other heroes, you come face to face with the hard love based on a commitment to place others' lives ahead of one's own.
At this critical time it is imperative that we realize that any other way of life cruelly shortchanges us. Truly, life-giving love is the path--the only path--worth taking.
Jules Dervaes September 2001
5 Comments: "REFLECTIONS" »
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Amen Brother,
I hope and pray that if the day should come for me to step up to the plate and serve like that, that I would glorify the Lord with my thoughts, actions and words of love to help others through their time of sorrows! In Christ, C
Living self-less-ly is the only path to true personal satisfaction. The art lies in the balancing act between working to support your own personal needs and then being of service to those around you.
That was beautifully written. It seems like everyone tries to forget that day but that doesn't give honor to those peoples memories. Thanks for posting that.
I think "Reflections" is about the most sensible and spiritual comment on modern events I have read.
May Your God be with You.
Amen. As someone who was witness to that event, and who has lived in NYC for 2 decades, I can't agree with you more. It's the only way we can heal, rebuild, and right the many wrongs in this country and around the world. Thanks for being a consistent voice of reason we so desperately need.