Why does it take heartache and disaster to create a nation?
On this day, fourteen years ago, an unexpected terrorist attack hit a little too close to home. Frightened by the suddenness of it all, schools were shut down, businesses were closed, and people went home, glued to their TV sets to see what would happen next in our nation's capital.
Images of smoke, fumes, and fire were on every channel. An estimated 3000 people were killed: civilians, firemen, police officers, first responders, employees, government officials, fathers, mothers, and children. Some of these were young, some were old, but all of them endowed with the gift of life from their Creator. Thrown in with the rest were 19 terrorists; these too were given the gift of life, they too were loved, and they too were killed.
After the shock of the event wore off, the nation scrambled to react. Volunteers spent days in the harmful ash and smoke and debris searching for survivors amidst the wreckage. There are some amazing stories that you can learn about that could only be called miraculous. Modern day miracles for the world to see.
Around the nation, blood banks were flooded with donors who begged to give their blood to those who were in need; far too much to even use. An estimated $1.4 billion dollars were donated; that is an incredible amount. Altruism was rampant. On board the fourth plane, which was eventually crashed into a field in Pennsylvania (rather than D.C.), the passengers, knowing they'd been hijacked, diverted the plane.
Those involved in helping restore and rebuild after the attack weren't all Christian. Our nation is incredibly diverse, but this incident made us forget all our differences to help those in need.
Here we are, fourteen years later. A society torn apart by conflicting ideals, rather than the unified nation we saw in 2001. The love, grace, and altruism seem all but forgotten in our consumerist, selfish world. When disaster is close to home, we react; but when it's out of sight, it's out of mind.
Around the world, disaster is a part of every day life. There are children starving, people under persecution (whether they be Christian or otherwise), and corrupt government regimes. In many places worldwide, there are sweatshops where workers are paid next to nothing and sometimes, don't even go home. They live in unlivable conditions. There have been incidents where it has gotten so bad, the workers escape the horror by jumping off the roof of their workplace, effectively ending their employment... and their lives.
Christian rapper Andy Mineo, in his new song "Uncomfortable," says it bluntly — effectively modeling many Americans' attitudes towards the terrors outside our borders:
"We got legal weed to keep us high,
'Round the world, other people die,
Where on earth is my wifi?" - Andy Mineo
As Christians, we should be the foremost authority on helping others. Churches should be centers of altruism; but instead, they are seen as greedy and self-serving. Many churches aren't this way, but sadly, many are. The American community run to trusted foundations and organizations for their acts of freewill, not a church. Why aren't we the poster child for helping others? Why are people more willing to give to an organization that will 'get stuff done' rather than a church?
Our society is in desperate need of hope. Parents pursue the American dream, leaving children at home alone to wonder what love and acceptance are. Children are given a choice to believe what they want, leaving them hopelessly clueless as to what is truth and what isn't. Embracing relativity, we pass legislation that works for the 'good of all.'
But a strong Christan presence isn't seen in our societies. Instead of charitable giving to causes both close to home and abroad, the world sees a bunch of people together on a Sunday morning giving their ten percent. They see people in a building, worshipping a God they don't understand, and then returning to their homes for football and recreation, every week, without fail. They don't see sacrifice. They don't see faith, or miracles, or selflessness. They see comfort.
That's not to say it isn't there, but it isn't prominent enough to really make a change in the way people see Christians. Many claim to know Jesus, but few are known by Him. A changed life is evident to those immediately around it, but across the nation, changed lives don't look too much different from the rest; they are overwhelmed by the ordinary.
During 9/11, America forgot it's diversity and became a nation, ready for whatever came it's way. After the tensions died down, and the memory of the incident slipped from people's minds, so did their unity. Fourteen years in the future, we see a society that has legalized marijuana, gay marriage, and abortion. Many cry out against such acts, and rightfully so; they do not glorify our Creator. But how can we defend a faith we don't contend for? If we aren't on our knees praying, how can we cry out against such legislation? If we aren't giving until it hurts, how will the world view us as anything besides conservatives? Where is the evidence of our faith? Without evidence of a changed life, in my own opinion, we have no right to defend a faith we won't contend for.
A year, or perhaps even more, ago, one of my friends challenged me to pray for the persecuted church every three nights. I haven't been completely faithful to carry out this challenge, but I have been improving; I never bothered to shut off the reminder. I want to challenge you as well; pray for Israel, or the persecuted church, or those who are starving, or those under harsh government. Something global. And then act on your faith; give a little, share a little.
The only way our nation can reunite to fight evil in our world is to step up to a faith that demands sacrifice. Police officers, firemen, and soldiers daily give their all for the good of all; reflecting the behavior of the brave men and women who gave what they could to assist in the recovery of our wounded nation. Society should be able to look to Christians as a source of consistent altruism; but this image has not yet arisen on a national scale. Get uncomfortable. Grow your faith. #LiveItLikeJesus.
All gave some, but some gave all. Never forget.
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