Today is the five year anniversary of the day that changed our world forever. Faith Builders wants us to focus on the hope that September 12th brought us. We're asked to do a post on what the following statement means to us and then go to Faith Lifts and link our post so that we can share our thoughts with each other.
"We cannot go back and make a new start
but we can start now to make a new ending."
I've given that statement a lot of thought. I'm still not sure I understand how September 11th could have happened. It's always been really difficult for me to believe that one group of fanatics is so convinced their way is the only way they'll do absolutely anything to force their beliefs on the rest of the world. That includes slaughtering thousands of innocent people just to make a "statement." I truly don't understand the mentality. I can't begin to imagine anyone having such a heart of stone that they don't even blink an eye before they kidnap a journalist, behead him and capture it on video so they can brag about it and use it as a scare tactic.
It would be really easy to just say, "The world is just a complete mess now. There's no hope. It's only going to get worse." But something inside me won't accept that.
This quote gives me hope:
"When I despair, I remember that all through history
the way of truth and love has always won. There have
been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible
but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS.
~~Mahatma Gandhi~~
He said "think of it" and I did. And he's right. You know, I'm reading the first book in the Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers, A Voice in the Wind, right now. I'm about a quarter of a way through the book and on every page I read something else that just stuns me. I suppose I've always known in the back of my mind somewhere that there was a time when Rome was the most decadent place in the world. But when I read that Jews were used as human torches to light the arenas where gladiators were forced to fight to the death, the extent of that kind of decadence is almost more than I can process.
What happened on September 11th is still difficult for me to process. But I find hope in knowing that someday people will look back on the days of Al Quaida and think the same things I'm thinking now as I travel back in time to the days of Roman decadence. They thought the only way was their way. And now their way is history. Someday this horror will actually be history. Because they always fall....always.
To link your post explaining why September 12th brought you hope, go here or just click on the Faith Builders button at the beginning of my post.
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13 comments:
Some great thoughts, Barb. And I love that quote!
I just scrolled down and read your memories of 9\11. Along with my other memories of that time, I also wrote almost the exact same thing about the planes as you did...eerie.
But I learned some great lessons. Some I have to keep re-learning, though...about trusting in God and the hope He brings.
Thank you for the reminder that good wins over always.
If you havent watched the movie Gandhi (you probably have) it's worth it. Long, but worth it. It's amazing what he was willing to withstand yet not strike out. I too was amazed when I read the Voice in the Wind, what they went through. I have people tell me, often, that times are worse now than they've ever been. Reading of what it was like then, I don't know. Sin has always been alive and well. Was then, still is. But you're right, there is hope. We have to cling to that, not despair.
I love your quote. Your thoughts always touch my heart.
What a great post, Barb! To realize that truth prevails and this way of Al Quaida, will fall and be history. And that does bring hope.
Thanks for your interpretation on that quote - it was very thought-provoking. I also really liked the quote you included from Gandhi.
I have the same thoughts about how those fanatics can do what they do - as you said about when they kidnap journalists etc - such innoncent bystanders and they slaughter them as if it was nothing. I don't get it.
You did an outstanding post. I could feel the feelings around it just as clearly as the day Nine Eleven crashed into our memory.
Have been very busy today, and need to leave a comment for Bev too. As soon as I grab a bite to eat, will work on one from my perspective.
Al Quaida, are cowards, they have no respect for human life, they fight unfair, they believe if they send poor people out to be used as human bombs they will become Martyrs. They wrongly use religion as a shield.
I raised my kids that good always prevails over evil. I agree with your sentiments whole heartedly. :)
I liked the quote and it made me think. I. like most of us, do not know what to make of these people except the fact that they think we are evil. A bunch of stuff to do with foreign policy. I am going to get the book your reading. That type of thing makes me think too. I just wish the whole 9/11 thing never happened and I feel so sorry for people who lost someone. My son said there is a girl in his class and her dad died on 9/11, he said they wore ribbons to honor him. The girl is only 8. It's all just horrible.
Christina all that blog
Beautiful thoughts! and to think, one day this will all be history!
You are going to LOVE the MArk of the Lion Series. I was completely blown away and had to read all 3 in succession...thank goodness I discovered them AFTER they had all been released. I couldn't have stood waiting inbetween...:)
This is a great post. I love your little quote "We can't go back but we can make a new start".
I know the comment I sent last night got through, but thought I would send you another.
You did a superb job about Nine Eleven, and especially that we should see hope, instead of ruin and despair.
Had read that Romans threw less fortunate souls to the lions, and watched as they ripped them apart and ate them, but didn't know about human torches.
This saying isn't original, of course, but it's one of my favorites: "The only thing required for evil to prevail is that good men do nothing."
Great job, Barb. What a great comparison. I am so glad you are reading the trilogy! Keep me posted on what you think. They are my favorite books of all time.
That book is my all-time favorite Christian book. And for me, that's saying a lot, since I love books more than food! It'll change your life!! Oh, and just wait until book 2!!!
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