But what now? - Relfections on 9/11 and who will be first to move us towards peace

But what now?

The nation stopped to remember. Services were held. Candles lit. Flags flew. Flags covered football fields as soldiers, veterans, players and coaches tugged to stretch them out. The national anthem was song. Jet planes flew overhead. Bells rang. Names read. Tears and hugs were shared. Sermons preached. Parades marched along the avenues. Television coverage was given from every angle. Articles were written. The nation stopped to remember.

But what now?

Come Monday morning. When we all return to work. When the candles have burned themselves out. When the soul gets too weak to cry any more. When the school bells ring. When we pick up our lives and march on. When the war on foreign soil continues to kill young men and women. When we still have to go through airport security and get patted down. When we still turn a questioning glance at someone who wears a beard, a headscarf and has an accent. When casual comments are made around the water cooler. When fingers are pointed and heated debates erupt over what we should be doing and why. What do we do now?

Except for the families who lost a loved during the horrific events of September 11, 2001 most of our lives will simply return to “the same old, same old” stuff. Our feelings will not have changed. Our actions, or at least our desire for action, will be the same. Anger will still be right below the surface. We will still what to get the “bad” men and women who did this to us. We will continue to spend trillions of dollars, that we do not have, on a senseless war to accomplish only God knows what.

When will it end? When will the killing stop? When will we try to bring peace on earth? When will it all be over … and we can truly return to living our lives? When will we who claim Christ as our Savior and Lord, the prince of peace, seek to do it his way? When will we discover that we have more in common with our enemies than we have in our differences? When will we all learn to “play nice” and cooperate? Will it be only when the other person changes? Will it be only when “they” lay down their arms? Will it be only when “they” stop trying to destroy us or harm us or hurt us?

Who will be the first to start the journey towards peace? Who will take that first step? Who will be the individual who will stand up and say, enough is enough?

Is it you? Is it me?