Light a Candle
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
In the days after September 11, 2001, our nation mourned the unbelievable loss because of the terrorist attacks. Maybe we were even mourning the loss of our sense of innocence. While this country has fought in wars and survived the terrible attack on Pearl Harbor, this was the first time we collectively felt vulnerable.
Homes in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area began putting candles in the windows as a symbol of their compassion and concern for the victims of September 11. While I’m not sure if this was a national trend, I know for those of us so close to the Pentagon, it was comforting.
Each of us could show our support for victims, survivors, and people involved in the tremendous humanitarian effort because of Hurricane Katrina by doing the same. The suffering is really only beginning for many who, now safe, begin the long journey to rebuilding their lives. They need our support and our prayers.
President Bush has declared Friday, September 16 a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with a call that “the people of the United States and places of worship” mark the day with memorial services and other appropriate observances. The President’s proclamation states: “I also encourage all Americans to remember those who have suffered in the disaster by offering prayers and giving their hearts and homes for those who now, more than ever, need our compassion and support.”
In the past weeks, we’ve discovered a new vulnerability that, while caused by natural disaster, has shown us that we still remain vulnerable. It doesn’t take much to imagine how our enemies could use these weaknesses in their desires to cripple our country.
Can something good come out of something as devastating as Hurricane Katrina? We’ve already seen the people of the United States contribute millions of dollars to aid strangers. Maybe we can use the obvious problems we all saw broadcast around the world to better plan for future disasters.
What better way to support the President’s proclamation and remind us to pray for our country than to light a candle.
Blessings, Francine
Homes in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area began putting candles in the windows as a symbol of their compassion and concern for the victims of September 11. While I’m not sure if this was a national trend, I know for those of us so close to the Pentagon, it was comforting.
Each of us could show our support for victims, survivors, and people involved in the tremendous humanitarian effort because of Hurricane Katrina by doing the same. The suffering is really only beginning for many who, now safe, begin the long journey to rebuilding their lives. They need our support and our prayers.
President Bush has declared Friday, September 16 a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with a call that “the people of the United States and places of worship” mark the day with memorial services and other appropriate observances. The President’s proclamation states: “I also encourage all Americans to remember those who have suffered in the disaster by offering prayers and giving their hearts and homes for those who now, more than ever, need our compassion and support.”
In the past weeks, we’ve discovered a new vulnerability that, while caused by natural disaster, has shown us that we still remain vulnerable. It doesn’t take much to imagine how our enemies could use these weaknesses in their desires to cripple our country.
Can something good come out of something as devastating as Hurricane Katrina? We’ve already seen the people of the United States contribute millions of dollars to aid strangers. Maybe we can use the obvious problems we all saw broadcast around the world to better plan for future disasters.
What better way to support the President’s proclamation and remind us to pray for our country than to light a candle.
Blessings, Francine
Linda ... thanks for your encouragement.
Cami ... you're welcome.