Six years ago, today, I woke up to a Orson Wells-esk prank. Instead of upbeat music or celebrity gossip, I heard the sound of astonished DJ's relaying the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center Tower. What an awful way to wake up. Who thought it was a good idea to try and pull that kind of prank off, especially at 7:45 AM. I got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. I turned on the news, as was my routine, and discovered that it was not an inappropriate prank, but an unthinkable reality. As I watched in awe, the north tower fell. The camera man started running. The billows of ruble filled the street, the people ran, I felt sick.
That day there was a strange silence. Students stopped to watch the coverage in between classes, no one could really discuss it, but everyone was thinking about it. Everyone had a hard time concentrating, including the professors. BYU had a prayer meeting, the Marriott Center was filled, like on the days people knew that President Hinckley would be there. We sang "Come, Come ye Saints" and said the "Pledge of Allegiance." President Batemen spoke briefly, he told us that we were the bearers of peace to the world. We could have peace in our hearts because we know about the gospel. We prayed and spent the rest of the day in a daze.
I had to stop watching the news that day (and for the rest of the week). Although, some of our leaders responded in a tone of pain and astonishment--struggling to comfort those most affected by the actions of evil men, others responded in a rage of vengeance. I wrote in my journal that day that I hoped it didn't result in a war, because that is exactly what the terrorists wanted. I was comforted in the response of loving people. I was comforted by the response of volunteers, the national day of prayer, and stories focusing on the people not the plan for revenge.
Six years later, what lessons have we proven we have learned? I hope we have learned that revenge doesn't heal us like banding together to support those in need. I hope we have learned that peace is available to those who are willing to accept it. I hope we have learned that as a people we need to focus more on doing good then being the most powerful in the world. Those are the things I have learned, today is the reminder that I need to apply those things. Do something nice for someone today, will you?
In an unrelated note, happy engagement anniversary Mom and Dad.
Gallant Ship
9 years ago
4 comments:
Yeah, I was in a cell bio class. They were showing the news on the projector, and I couldn't figure out what was going on. My prof tried to teach but everyone was too distracted to listen and eventually he just turned the news back on and let us watch. I think it's a great idea to do something nice for someone today. We need to respond in a positive way and not let anger eat us up.
Sept. 11 1978 I was engaged to be married. We ate cheese burgers and hot fudge sundaes. Then went to a BYU ward party.
Sept. 11 2001 I was holding an Enrichment meeting in my family room after the tragic morning event we turned off the TV and got busy doing the Lord's work.
I remember one of my roomates woke up to a phone call. All she said was "I've got to turn on the TV". We rushed to the living room to see the images being replayed.
I hope also that people have learned the lessons you posted.
The world is such a crazy place! It makes me more and more grateful for the gospel in my life... because with it, I have peace and perspective that can get me through it all.
On another, lighter note: You totally posted that "Do you know me?" poll because you're paranoid you have blog stalkers, huh? I knew it! :) (Or is it that you HOPE you have blog stalkers?)
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