A Lesson From 9/11
I used to enjoy traveling by air. It always seemed like an exciting adventure and reminded me of the times mom, and I traveled to Indianapolis to pick up dad at the airport. Airlines used to provide “free” drinks, tasty snacks, and sometimes even full meals. The seats were comfy, and peering out the window was like viewing a whole new world.
9/11 changed all that.
Though flying is still a fast way to travel long distances, nearly everything else about the experience is grueling. We used to check in, get our tickets, and go directly to the gate, but no more. First, we must run the security gauntlet where every part of our body is revealed to a complete stranger. We carried coffee, soft drinks, and food onto aircraft in the good old days. Our carry-on luggage contained all we needed to survive if our checked bags were lost. Toothpaste, shampoo, soaps, lotions, and creams were packed neatly into our small suitcase or briefcase, which made us feel prepared and secure. Now those items must enter only in tiny amounts and separate from the other contents.
It is beyond the imagination how a small band of ruthless, savage people not only ruined so many lives but changed the entire world. The attack on the western world and the “great Satan” was a success for the perpetrators. But they were deluded.
After the destruction of the World Trade Centers in New York, it was not long until planning began to rebuild the entire area of southern Manhattan. It took eight years and four billion dollars to build One World Trade Center, which now houses about 8,000 workers in 3,000,000 square feet of office space. The building is 1776 feet tall, symbolizing the year of US independence. The entire area surrounding the new tower continues to grow, with shopping centers, offices, museums, and a performing arts center.
A “new and improved” district arose from the ashes like a phoenix. The rebuilding bears witness to the resilience of humanity. Many facets of our existence can be destroyed save one, our spirit. In the deepest recesses of our hearts lies an indomitable will to carry on and rebuild. As the Scripture states, God provides a way to replace beauty for ashes.
The term “crown” conjures images of a royal headpiece covered with jewels like the one worn by the Queen of England, a picture we often see since the passing of that noble monarch. However, the word signifies a turban or headdress worn only by the wealthy or a bridegroom ready for marriage. The phrase foreshadows when Christ would wipe the ashes of mourning from our brows and replace our battered lives with healing and victory.
Many who helped rebuild the shattered structures in New York do not recognize Jesus' love for them, yet our heavenly Father bestows upon all of us the will to not only survive but thrive.
One World Trade Center means many things to many people, but we should all be reminded that each time tragedy strikes our lives, we can rise from the depths of despair and create for ourselves and new bright future. Even death itself has been conquered and replaced with eternal life.
Like Joseph of old, who suffered much pain and injustice, we can resound, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
