On 9-11 the invisible became visible. What was only words and threats before, came to life in vivid horrifying color. There was nothing to be done but watch with mouths agape. Stunned silence. Tears on mute, as the reality set in while sitting in front of the TV. The unfolding of the day brought shock after shock. Our innocence was stolen. The perception of safety ripped from us by those who wished us harm.

The unknown confusion of that day, and the days that followed is etched in our collective memory. Who? How? What? Such mind-blowing, incomprehensible actions. Such a day made history. It changed everything. Literally, everything. The way we viewed each other. The way we viewed ourselves. Fear and suspicion walked through the front door that day, and they haven’t left since.

The people responsible for the destruction and death cheered. We watched them celebrate. We were enraged at such callousness. We couldn’t imagine such disregard for human life and suffering. Our terror focused outward. We got an inkling that our country was not loved by all. The idea of strangers planning our demise shook us up. Still does.

Now, we have turned inward. We look towards each other. The violence on the other side of the world has taken root in our own hearts. The fear of “others” is at an all-time high. Any perceived threat is suspect. Trust of others is out the window. Listening is dead. Shouting the norm. Now, deadly shots have been fired a multitude of times. Assassinations. Plural.

Now we watch those we know cheer at destruction and death on both sides. Our neighbors and friends are at odds with one another. The loathing grows and grows and grows. The disgust propagates and roots itself deep in the fertile soil of superiority. Instead of growing in grace, we stand on dogma. Instead of understanding, we promote one side or the other. Loudly. Did we learn nothing from September 11^th? Can we not see we have become those who cheer at the suffering around us? We paint with a sweeping brush. Lump others into categories and leave them there. We have become blind to ourselves and how we react. We only express outrage, rarely reflection of our own part.

It’s September 11^th again. I can’t think of a better way to honor those who lost their lives than to check our own hearts and watch our words.