9/11—The Church That Stood and Stands
Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
My husband and I visited New York City soon after September 11, 2001. We went to Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center had recently towered into the skies above the Hudson River. We stood in a long snake-line of other people also paying their respects.A church immediately next to the attacked site was framed outside by a black iron fence in front. We walked alongside it, slowly moving toward the Trade Center site. We noticed the memorial ribbons, flowers, notes, and photos that were taped and hung there. We felt awe seeing the notes and letters of those searching for loved ones, with pages of prayers and poems.
The church that stood next door to that fated site somehow escaped the impact tragedy of that 9-11 morning. Therefore, it could and did provide a place for rescue workers, chaplains, medical people, and others searching in the rubble for bodies or survivors. The church also stood as a haven for prayers and free food and drink for exhausted Ground Zero workers. The general public was not allowed inside the iron fence. The searches and other helpers needed an exclusive, protected haven they could move in and out of during tired and dusty hours.
Hate did not win that day; its destruction has never brought victory to the hate-filled. Survivors, helpers, and all caring people will not allow it. We are together in this, standing on the determined principles of freedom, however imperfect its oft-marred reflections. And that church stood and stands by the grace of God, for good.
The World Trade Center site shows signs of a memorial setting in progress. Every day, in that place, passersby may notice the church that stood and stands. Acts of terror can destroy but can never win.
Like that church that stood and still stands, like the men and women that went for refuge there and who gave food and water there, with prayers...many still offer themselves in daily, unselfish service, with unyielding and stubborn hope in troubled times... wherever they are, so long as they live.
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (see John 3:14-17).
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)This article is very honoring to the spirit of 9/11 and the lives sacrificed there that day.Jim, thank you so much.
One day I will visit this Church and walk inside and feel the comfort that it has provided for so many people. Thank you for this beautiful story.Carol CulverDear Carol, Thank you for your comments.I believe that it must comfort those responsible for that church to have visitors like you.I will remember your hopes of going there. Blessings, Jane
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