The Importance of 9-12

For the last eleven years our country has come together on 9-11. It has quickly become a national day of remembrance; a moment to envision America before and after; a time to reflect on the cruelty of our common enemy - the terrorist. This class of humans does not have respect for the innocent citizens they terrorize. Each one is committed to destroying as many unsuspecting as possible while they enter their eternity being greeted by 70 virgins. It is difficult for the civilized to comprehend that death, murder and hatred precedes and follows the terrorist.

But there is the morning after. The smoke still fills the skyline but hope is in the air. The unknown masses gather as one to search for the buried and to mourn the deceased. Personal cost is set aside. Whatever the inconvenience, the fact of unity pushes beneath the ruble to elevate life. In the moments of the day after, the hero's heart is revealed. An arm to hug, a finger to wipe the tear, a gathered throng in prayer, the droning of machinery though the destruction... they all give proof that it's the morning after.

It may be dark but we instinctively search for the sunrise. Something in the human soul tells us that tomorrow things will begin to mend. The gaping hole will find planners searching for ways to turn it into an eternal fountain and reflection pool - it's tomorrow. You made it through the dark night. The sun did come up as expected. Not everything of beauty was marred. Through the ashes comes a seed of hope. Evil did not succeed and our spirit remains.

So, when your 9-11 comes cast your hope for tomorrow. Your 9-12 will follow as surely as rain falls on the just and the unjust... as surely as death will be the birth of new life... as surely as there are sufficient planners for the victory garden... and one day, maybe even eleven years later, on the day after, you will know life goes on and God is still in control.