Remembering 9/11 not reliving it

16 years ago this morning I was driving north on I-25 in Denver  when I heard a radio report of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center.  I remember thinking that it must be a smaller craft that had lost control.  I arrived at work in time to see the flight 175 crash into the South Tower.  It was as if the world stopped for a moment.  The images of the collisions in NYC, DC and the crash site in Pennsylvania are seared on my memory along with random images of the aftermath.  
I remember going through the motions of work that day and the next wondering why the world couldn't just stop for a while.  We waited anxiously for word of loved ones living and working in NYC and at the Pentagon.  I listened as the contractors I supervised gave vent to their fear, frustration and helplessness.  Frequently, I heard outbursts of anger and threats to get "those people" whomever the speaker thought were responsible.  Mostly this was "the Muslims".   I understand the feelings.  I was more appalled by a coworker saying, "I wish I was an undertaker in New York City. I'd be rolling in it."  As I look back I think the increase in divisive rhetoric and scapegoating "those people" that we see today is rooted in the aftermath of 9/11.  
Today, I live off highway 65 in Buffalo, MO.  This morning, the tragedy I hear about on the news is Harvey and Irma and the havoc they've wreaked in Texas, Louisiana, Florida and South Carolina.  I wish there was more I could do to help.  Even more, I am aware of the tragedies in the community I live in where 25% of families have an income of less than $25,000 annually and over 34% of children live in poverty.  The county I live in has seen reports of domestic violence double in the last 5 years.  (Derived from County 911 call numbers for 2012-2016).  

 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.  Romans 12:18-21 

These words from Paul come in the midst of teaching on what it means to live together under the Holy Spirit's direction.  They reflect a vision of the kingdom of God made real and tangible in the lives of God's people.  In that light, I believe the best I can do to honor 9/11 is to combat hatred and violence  with love and peace in my own life and the lives of those around me. Rather than point a finger at those people, I choose to work with and among these people to make our city, our county, our state, our nation and our world a better place.  How about you?