The way I looked at the world changed dramatically six years ago. In many ways I suddenly became more worried about the future than I ever had before. I was expecting my first child on 9-11 and I realized suddenly just how scary the world could be. And I honestly wondered what type of world I was bringing my child into. Was she going to live in fear? Was she going to have a childhood that was as carefree as mine?
Fortunately, so far she has. While 9-11 has changed so many things in our country, I think it is important to remember that it brought out the best in many people. It taught us to reach out and help each other, to cherish our friendships and our families. While it was devastating and scary, out of it all we, as Americans, learned that we could rise up and meet the challenges that we face together.
As members of the church, it is important to realize that we can help those around us meet these big challenges as well as the day to day challenges that so many people have. We can reach out to comfort those who are mourning. We can help those who are in need of physical help through service and donations. We can pray for those who have suffered through some of the hardest times of our lives.
It is important to realize that as a worldwide church, there have been many disasters that our members have faced since 9-11. This includes the Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and other numerous disasters and tragedies around the world. The gospel can bring us comfort and hope in these times of trial. It is important to find the time to give thanks for the many blessings that the Lord has given us as well as to share the love of the Lord with those around us. Mosiah 2:17 reads “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
Let us each take time tomorrow to honor those who lost their lives six years ago. We can also take the time to help those around us and continue to serve where we are needed. These simple acts can help us to make the world a place where our children can grow up knowing happiness and not fear, love not hate, and joy in the small things.
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