Honoring the Fallen: From 9/11 to Today
In times of tragedy and heartbreak, we often find ourselves asking the same difficult questions: Where is God in all of this? How do we make sense of senseless violence? How do we move forward when everything feels broken? These questions surfaced again as I recorded my latest podcast episode, reflecting on both the anniversary of 9/11 and a shocking recent tragedy that hit frighteningly close to home.
The memory of September 11, 2001, remains vivid for many of us. I remember sitting on my bed, watching the unimaginable unfold on television – planes crashing into buildings, smoke billowing, chaos ensuing. What looked like scenes from an action movie was our new reality. I remember going to work that day and finding my boss in tears, unable to reach her brother in New York. The mall eventually closed, and the world seemed to stop turning. Some moments are forever etched in our collective memory: 2,977 lives lost, countless others injured physically and emotionally, families torn apart, and first responders who sacrificed everything.
This reflection took on new meaning after a recent shocking event in Utah – a public assassination that a family member of mine witnessed firsthand. Receiving that text message ("I'm okay, but there's been a shooting") and hearing the panic in the background as events unfolded created that same sickening feeling: "This can't be happening." But it was. These moments shake us to our core, leaving us feeling vulnerable, afraid, and questioning everything we thought we knew about safety and security in our world.
Yet even in our darkest hours, I believe God still speaks – sometimes in a whisper, sometimes in silence, but He's there. When life falls apart, I turn to scriptures that have carried countless people through tragedy: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18), "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1-3), and the reassurance that nothing, "not death, not fear, not anything in this world can separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39). These aren't empty platitudes but lifelines to cling to when everything else seems unstable.
The emotions that come with trauma and tragedy are real and valid: shock at how quickly life can change, anger at injustice and violence, fear about what's safe anymore, sadness for lives lost and potential unfulfilled, and sometimes spiritual confusion. Faith often begins precisely in that place of brokenness and questioning. While God doesn't cause these tragedies, I believe He can transform what was meant for harm into something redemptive – though we may never fully understand the "why" on this side of heaven.
So what do we do when facing such overwhelming grief? First, recognize that healing takes time. There's no timeline for processing trauma, so be gentle with yourself. Second, presence matters – sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up for someone who's hurting. Third, speak truth with love – avoid reactive social media posts when emotions are running high, and instead bring compassion alongside courage. Fourth, resist isolation – after 9/11, strangers became neighbors, and we need that same community spirit now. Finally, hold onto hope – not empty optimism but soul-deep hope that believes light will return and love ultimately wins.
Turning pain into purpose takes intentional steps: pray honestly, letting God into your hurt and fears; help someone else through small acts of kindness; spread light rather than contributing to division; connect with supportive community; and tell your story, even when it's messy, because vulnerability creates pathways for healing. As Isaiah 41:10 promises, "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." Even when the world shakes, God remains steady. Even when we feel broken, He holds the pieces. Even in darkness, His light still shines.