04/02/2020
On 9/11 this country was struck with one of the worst events in our history. We grieved collectively and alone for years. We were in shock and denial for months, watching planes fly into the side of towers, over and over. Watching to see how that could actually happen; watching to try and make sense of it all. Then, we got angry. We blamed and protested; hating innocent civilians because of their skin and religion, blaming the politicians and the airlines, blaming God and, some of us, ourselves. We fell into economic and emotional depression and we despaired. Some wanted to give up, feeling numb and frozen, fearful of flying again, of doing anything again. Then, we fell to our knees in grief and mourned for the lost, the soldiers killed, the first responders we watched run into burning buildings. We cried collective tears for a world we would never have again. We held onto one another and wept for what felt like an eternity. Then, as the tears washed away the ashes, we came to acceptance. Not complacency or hopelessness, but acceptance that this horrible thing really did happen and we would really never be the same. And, with the acceptance came resurrection and the birth of a new determination. For those of us who grieved well, 9/11 became an event that shaped our worldview and made us more compassionate, determined people. But, for those stuck in anger and protest; there is bitterness and resentment; an emotional cancer, poisoning their view of others and of the world to this day.
Here we are again; facing a giant the size of microbe, and we are presented with a choice. Will we grieve well? Or, will we allow this tiny little giant to take us down? We get to choose.
To grieve well we need the help of others. Reach out to those around you and process your thoughts and feelings. Seek help if you are struggling or stuck in shock, protest, or depression. Help others get the help they need; if you notice someone struggling be a friend. Pray! Pray! And, pray more.