The simple feeling of compassion often motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, spiritual, or emotional pains of themselves and others. My favorite definition I once saw was “to love together with”.
Today on all the news programs you will see images, hear coverage and even on some may broadcast a few of the memorial services. Today is a day that will forever be a part of our history. 16 years ago was not long at all, and for so many, it is was like yesterday.
We talk about this day in our house in detail. We talk about the horror, but we also talk about what came from that day. Sure, we all hate the security at the airports after that day, and we all hate trying to get on any military base now, but think about the way we all came together that day. Think about the news coverage of strangers consoling one another, about the first responders (I’m a bit partial, after that day my husband still joined the fire department and risks his life everyday to save others), about our country. After that day we were all proud to be Americans. We all loved one another.
I love the news coverage about this day, I think we as Americans need to be reminded each year what we went through as a country. I think we need that presence to remind us how we should continue to be. There is so much going on in this country right now. So much conflict, destruction, anger, and why? We all have differences, yes, but aren’t we all Americans. Aren’t we all proud to be here.
My husband and I were talking during the football game the other night about players sitting on the side while the National Anthem played. This bothers me! I know many of you will not like my opinion and that’s OK, it’s my opinion. The National Anthem is a symbol of our country, not anything else. It doesn’t represent Black lives matter, it doesn’t represent white supremacy, it doesn’t favor Jews or Christians. The National Anthem represents us as Americans. Those who sit during the National Anthem are doing nothing but undermining our country. The same country who is supporting their team enough to pay them millions of dollars to do something they love! Make sense? Nope not to me! Want to make a statement, be a role model to young Americans, stand proud with your hand on your heart for the National Anthem, tears in your eyes because you are proud to be an American. Proud that so many have sacrificed their lives for you to be here. And then after the game when you go and cash that very large check, put your money where you want to make a statement!!!
So today, we wear our Red, White and Blue, my kids and amazingly brave husband and I will talk about September 11, 2001 and remember all the lives lost. We will pray for everyone who was taken on the horrific day, pray for the families who are still affected by this day and thank God that even after such a terrible act of terrorism we, Americans, still stand tall and proud.
Our country and citizens are pretty amazing. During this time in our country we have fellow Americans still cleaning up in Texas from the hurricane, we have others in Florida who will be waking up to awful conditions from yet another hurricane, we have others who have lost everything to wildfires and yet everywhere you look people are lending a hand. Whether it’s sending money or food or essentials or even prayers they are helping. And then there are those awesome role models making a huge difference! JJ Watt (who stands for the National Anthem) challenged Americans after Hurricane Harvey and as last night it was over 30 million! Now if that’s not Americans coming together I don’t know what is. And if that’s not a role model to follow and put on a pedestal I don’t know who is! (side note, I have an awesome friend at church whose daughter is the biggest JJ Watt fan you could ever imagine and I think she picked right!!)
So on this day, think about the past, but don’t focus on the negative, focus on what came from that day. Focus on the continued love and compassion we show to one another. Focus on the helping hands that continue to outstretch for neighbors and fellow citizens. Continue to praise all those who do the right thing. And most importantly shine the light bright on those who are showing our children what being a compassionate, loving American is!
