Five Short Years

Five Short Years

Five short years have passed since our city was viciously attacked on a clear crisp fall morning. I say five short years because it seems like just a day or two ago that our sense of security was shattered and our view of ourselves and our city crumbled with those two magnificent towers. I say five short years because you and I may not remember much from a month ago but we all have vivid memories from that day, September 11, 2001.

Some of us were in office buildings downtown and were witnesses to an unthinkable horror. Others were on express buses or trains that providentially were running late. Still others were in front of a television or near a radio, eyes and ears tuned in but hands furiously dialing a loved one. Some loved ones never answered.

Many, so many, were there at ground zero. Some 2,792 never left. Many, praise God so many, escaped with their lives. But their hearts and minds could not escape. They were forever seared with memories that human beings weren’t meant to have.

A few, mostly New York’s finest and bravest, demonstrated to us with actions what words cannot fully express. Through them we have come to understand what words like sacrifice, courage and heroism really mean. All seemed willing to pay the ultimate price in doing their duty. In the end some 343 firefighters and 75 police officers were called on to give their all. We can never repay them or their families. We will eternally be in their debt.

I say five short years because though books, movies, commissions and politicians have explored and exploited 9/11 no one has really been able to explain it. The Holy, Infinite, Loving, Lord of the Universe stood by, as evil incarnate came to rob, kill and destroy. Our God chose to help us in our deepest need rather than prevent the hurt altogether. I am a theologian, a Bible student and a father, but, this side of glory I will never be able to satisfactorily answer the “why” of 9/11.

I say five short years because at the corner of Broadway and Vessey there is still a huge hole. And yet there are greater more significant holes throughout our city. In neighborhoods throughout our area there are families that will face a fifth Christmas without a dad’s laughter. There are children who will start kindergarten without mom’s gentle hand to walk them to the bus. There are dinner tables that still have an empty chair at an otherwise full family gathering. Holes of the heart are harder to mend than holes in the ground.

They say time heals all wounds. God doesn’t say time heals all wounds. “They” say it. I don’t agree. Time may dull the hurt or ache. It may change the severity. It may cause the wound to be slightly more calloused or not quite as deep, but the wound remains. Heaven heals all wounds. That’s what the Bible teaches. Revelation 21:4 promises us this, “…God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Paul reminds us “...that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

On September 11th I hope to be at the Staten Island waterfront viewing the Tribute of Light through the Postcards Memorial. As I look out over skyline of Manhattan and those spectacular lights, I’ll be praying. Like many New Yorkers I’ll be praying for those families of the victims of 9/11. In addition I will be praying for those who physically, mentally and spiritually are still hurting from this unspeakable tragedy. My prayer also will be that this city that I love so much will know the embrace of the God of love, that He; through His people, maybe even through me, will continue to minister His grace five short years hence… Please pray with me.

Pastor Dave Watson - An Urban Christian