#286

“These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.” President George Bush, September 11, 2001.

10 years ago, I was riveted to the tv, as was most of the country. Hearing my president address the nation was surreal for me. The president only did that kind of thing in the movies – or so my teenage mind thought.

I still remember the ache in my heart that day inspired. And I remember the steadiness of our Commander in Chief. He really held it together, held us together, in a horrible time. He was a great leader and a great American. That day, and the horrible days that followed, he really stepped up to the plate. He has earned his place in American history.

There really is not much I can say about that fateful day. There was terror and pain, bravery and love.

This morning, the gospel reading was Matthew 18:21-35. All about forgiveness. How amazing is that, right? Jesus telling us to forgive as we are forgiven. Of all the days to hear that, today was the day.

I am horrible at that. Forgiveness is something that I really cannot seem to get right. And I know it is something I should practice more often. But I am mad. And it is hard to find the balance between forgiving and not forgetting.