It’s September 11, a date that still stirs deep feelings for me. I remember where I was that day when the towers fell and the planes crashed. I remember the sense of unity that followed the attacks and how we learned of the extraordinary courage of so many: passengers on United Flight 93 who gave their lives to prevent further tragedy, and first responders who ran toward burning, collapsing buildings to save others. In the midst of horror, we witnessed sacrificial love. Love that drew people together across the boundaries that so often divide us to pray and work together for the common good.
Today, I find myself grieving again, this time for a country where political violence and bitter division have become too common. I wish I had poetic words to meet this moment, but I don’t. I simply feel the weight of lament.
The reality is that we, as a nation, have a communication problem, a gun violence problem, and a mental health problem (to only name a few of the pressing issues we face). Often, it can feel easier to demonize than to debate, to lash out at others than to engage in the hard work of honest conversation. Yet violence and demonization are never God’s answer.
No matter where we stand politically, socially, or theologically, we must summon the courage to name our shared brokenness, our bent toward sin, and our unwillingness to listen to those who differ from us.
Scripture calls us to something better:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
“Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19
This is hard work. It requires humility to turn from self-interest, courage to speak truth in love, and perseverance to build a future where our children inherit something stronger than anger and fear.
Friends, may we both individually and as the Church choose the slow, grace-filled path of peacemaking. May we listen deeply, love generously, and live as people of hope. And may God’s Spirit guide us as we labor for a nation and a world where peace and justice embrace.
God bless,
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.