Never Forgetting

Yesterday we marked the 10th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington DC. In past years since that day, I have watched the TV footage played over again, listened to people recount their stories, reliving the tragedy as it had just happened again. I remember even a year ago watching the footage and the same feelings of anger, pain, hurt, fear, sympathy, sorrow, all flooding back to me. I was thankful in some ways that Yesterday was opening weekend of the NFL. I love football and this was I think a welcome distraction for me and for many of us. Yes I watched as the ceremonies with the Flag covering the entire field, and the national anthems were great. Those ceremonies were great. Then they went and played football which was great.

I preached yesterday from Romans 14 on meeting people where they are and then moving forward in faith. Not judging one another for where they are in faith but knowing that God has called everyone and we must respect that. I know that there are still family members of 9-11 victims who haven't and may never get beyond that day. This is understandable, and I believe that as a follower of Jesus, we who may not be directly affected, have the obligation to move on for them and assist others in moving on. That is how we live together in faith.

Yet I saw many signs on TV yesterday, and many adds, and bumper stickers that read "Never Forget." I have to be honest that that phrase makes me uncomfortable, because it can mean so many things. If, when we say "never forget" we mean that we should never forget the innocent victims who died senselessly simply by showing up to work, or taking a sightseeing visit, then yes I can go with that statement. If we mean that we should never forget the sacrifice that the firefighters, and police officers and even ordinary citizens gave in an attempt to save others, sometimes giving their own lives in order to do so, then yes we should never forget. If we mean that we should never forget the lives of the soldiers that were lost in Afganistan in the hunt for Osama Bin Laden, and even those soldiers who went to and are still in Iraq and Afganistan, then yes we should never forget them or their families.

But I have heard from too many folks that never forgetting means something different. To them (and I won't name names), never forgetting means holding on to that anger and rage, and directing that anger, towards other people. It means to them that we should regard all Muslims with suspicion, it means that we should sacrifice more of our personal freedoms in the name of security, casting further suspicion on folks who simply want to live their lives. It means that violence of any kind is justified in the name of honoring people. If that is what it means than I can't support the phrase never forget.

When we hold on to that anger and fear, and violence, I believe that we have then given them what they desired in the first place, a state of fear. Instead it is my hope as a follower of Jesus Christ, that on this 10th anniversary, we can remember in a way that honors the victims and families, the rescue workers, and first responders for the hero's that they are. But honor them in such a way that the initial anger, and fear, rage, and need for vengeance no longer has power over us. We remember in a way that enables us to live in faith and seek healing and hope for a better future. In that way I will never forget.

I am glad I did not watch any footage yesterday, I am glad I watched football with ceremonies honoring the dead and the living. It helps me to let go of that anger and rage and fear, so that I can lead others to that place where that day has no power over me or them, but only the power of the cross of grace, that has been given to all.