Do Not Be Anxious
Message from Rev. Anthony
Dear St. John’s,
Today marks the 24th Anniversary of 9/11. Much like the assassinations of Kennedy and MLK, 9/11 was one of those moments in history where people can vividly remember where they were when they heard/watched the news.
Although there is a narrative that it was a time when Americans all came together in the aftermath, there was also a rise in violence against American Muslims; fundamentalists viewed the attack as “God’s judgement on a sexually perverse and ‘godless’ nation;” and left-leaning pundits pointed out the United States’ role in international affairs.
Besides having to take off our shoes before going into airline terminals, another consequence of 9/11 was the Patriot Act, which granted the government an unfettered amount of license into surveillance of Americans.
It seems that government officials believe more oversight equates to safety. Even as I write this, the president is pushing to send troops into Chicago, against the will of the mayor and governor. This is a dangerous precedent, regardless of one’s political leanings.
One of the throughlines between what happened following 9/11 and what is occurring now is: fear. Americans seem to be afraid of everything, including one another.
Scripture says that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, and love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) While we should be vigilant citizens, we should avoid being anxious ones. And there are many ways to do this.
Personally, I recently got off of Facebook (which I have been planning to do for quite some time now) partially because I realize I felt less better when I used it. Besides taking some time away from social media and news, going outside and enjoying the incoming Fall season is another way to nurture our spirit. There’s also volunteering, finding new (or maintaining) hobbies, and of course, there is prayer and meditation.
One of the best ways we can honor those we lost on that terrible morning, twenty-four years ago, is to remain brave, grounded, and aware that in spite of the uncertainties of life, our faith is in a sure foundation.
In Christ,
Anthony+
* I found out about the murder of Charlie Kirk, influential conservative activist and media personality last night. Prayers for his soul, his loved ones, and for our nation reeling under the weight of political violence. Christ have mercy.
