We are now a few days away from 9/11/11. All the heartbreaking stories, memories and images of that day will be pushed to the back of our minds soon. I hope that something remains:
Anger.
No, not anger at terrorists (though the motivations of the people who committed the acts on September 11 were twisted).
Anger at mainly faceless, distant groups of people doesn’t really do anyone any good.
Instead, I hope you remain angry at injustice. Angry at the horrible stories of the suffering that individuals and families endured because of this catastrophe.
I believe that as humans we are built to be angry about stuff like that. Often we use our anger in harmful ways, but if we get angry about the right things we can make a difference in the world.
One thing that I kept hearing from the people who lost loved ones during 9/11 is that people surrounded them with hope and encouragement. People gave money, time and other resources to bless them during their time of great need.
September 11th is a day that will forever live in infamy and it was obvious even on that day that thousands were killed and countless more were going to carry lifelong burdens. People rallied around from day one to help carry the load.
I hope that remembering September 11th will give you a heart of deep compassion for the needs of others. Let’s be honest, this was a terrible, terrible event but suffering occurs around the world constantly. Not just when people fly planes into buildings.
If you are reading this blog, it is very likely that you are in the top 20% of the world’s wealthiest people (probably pretty high up in that 20%). You have the wealth and resources to do things that impact others.
9/11 is a perfect example. Compassion changes lives. People who reach out can dramatically change the direction of others.
I hope you get angry about September 11th. About injustice. About suffering. Angry enough to actually do something about it.
