Today marks an unimaginable tragedy in our country.    The mere mention of two numbers - 9 - 11 - and immediately everyone is on the same paragraph of the same page.  No doubt we all remember where we were and what we were doing on that fatal morning.   I was gathered with a group of community pastors for Tuesday morning Bible study at Rudy Hardy's home.   As soon as I returned from  Bible study and walked into the church office I was informed of the diabolical  terrorist acts.   We gathered around a television set at the church watching in shock and disbelief as camera scenes showed unthinkable destruction, carnage and human suffering.

Of course our nation is different because of that day and because of that traumatic experience.    There is a collective anxiety that was not there prior 9 - 11.  Every time we go through security at an airport we are reminded.   We see more weapon detectors where crowds are gathered for events;  the presence of security personnel is more visible now;  angst is more prevelant in our lives. The case could be made that we live in more fear as a result of this traumatic history - - we fear others more;  our fear of the future is elevated;  increased fear and anxiety has set up residence in our souls.  

While we must be vigilant and prudent and wise in our life and living (Jesus tells us to "be as wise as serpants and as gentle as doves"), we need not become paranoid and filled with angst - the absence of peace in our hearts and lives.  As followers of Jesus Christ we are gifted with a hope and a peace that shines through even (especially) in the darkest of times.   While, as Christians ,we are called to take practical and prudent measures so as to make good decisions and wise choices (whether in regards to potential terrorist acts or in our every day life decisions), we are not to take on a worried,  desperate, paranoid posture and attitude toward life.   We are to be concerned, but not worried.   We are not to stick our heads in the sand and cloister off from the realities of life; instead, we are to stay informed about, and stay involved in, the realities and needs of this world.   Yet, we are to do so with the confident knowledge and assurance that "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8).   We are instucted in scripture:  "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything......" (Philippians 4:6a).  How about this statement for a fantastic Christian mantra?!    Or, again, I Peter 5:7 reminds us:  "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you."

We have an all-powerful and all-loving God who intimately cares for us and continually looks after us.  We need not worry about today nor the future for we are in God's hands.  We need not carry around an anxiety-ridden spirit.   Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Trust in God and his promises replaces  worry in our hearts.  Faith eradicates fear.  Assurance trumps anxiety every time!   Yes, remember.   Yes, be vigilant, alert and wise.  But, as a follower of Jesus Christ, never forget "Perfect love casts out fear!"  And, in and through Jesus we are loved with a perfect, everlasting love.  Praise be to God!