by the Rev. Charles J. Stephens
The terrorist attack on September 11th questioned the faith and shook
the hope of many in our country. Yet, it seemed to deepen our love.
People around the country tried desperately to be with their families
and those who had had become like family. If that was not possible they
called to say I love you. The stories of people making cell phone calls
from hijacked planes and collapsing buildings to say one last "I
love you" is something that brings me to tears and creates goose
bumps down my spine. I can relate. I find myself saying, "I love
you" more often than in the past.
There has been a generous out-pouring of love to those who were victims
of the terrorists and to their families. The blood banks around the
country were flooded with recruits. Literally tons of supplies descended
on New York. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at churches as
we did at UUCWC to be together, to pray together, to share their feelings,
to hold hands and to give and receive hugs of comfort and reassurance.
I pray that our deepened sense of love will result in the renewal of
our faith in the goodness of creation, human beings included. I pray
that our deepened sense of love will result in the regeneration of hope
in our lives, in our country and in our world.
Our initial shock and horror at the deaths and destruction caused by
the terrorist attacks has not so much eased over the past days as it
has changed into a deepened sense of grief and gratitude throughout
our country and around the world. Our minor complaints, ailments and
differences suddenly became insignificant in comparison to that which
we share in common.
As with any tragedy but especially with such a massive one as this,
we need to create some meaning and a positive direction out of the terrible
ashes of destruction that cover the streets of New York and surround
the Pentagon. I pray that our country will seek justice but not revenge.
It is my hope that we as a nation will move beyond a purely violent
response to a determined effort to understand who was behind the terrorist
attacks, but also why they were determined to kill thousands in a suicidal
process.
As Unitarian Universalists we have a long tradition of religious tolerance
and a welcoming openness to those who may be different. I call on each
one of us to speak out for any innocent people who are being scapegoat
because of their religion, their race or their ethnic origin. Now is
the time for us to give love a chance to win over hate. What better
memorial to those who died this past week than for the ashes of death
and destruction to be turned into a determination to build a more loving
and accepting human community.
Let us join together in this effort.
With Love and Warmth,
Charles
