National Day of Service and Remembrance

Do Unto Others

Did you know that today was the first federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance? I did not. I found out through FACEBOOK, thanks to a link from Vanderbilt:

Sept. 11 is National Day of Service and Remembrance

Vanderbilt University’s Office of Active Citizenship and Service encourages members of the Vanderbilt community to participate in service and volunteerism this weekend in observance of the first federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Students who are already members of a student service organization on campus are encouraged to participate in their regular ongoing service activities. Students and Vanderbilt community members who would like to join the citywide effort are invited to participate in the opportunities listed below, hosted by OACS Community Partners: [Food Delivery for United Way, Documentary viewing and letter writing, Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Nashville, etc.]

That is something that I can support. Americans pulled together in active love and support of one another during that time of fear, crisis, and uncertainty. I lived in St. Louis eight years ago, and all regular air traffice was halted, but there is a military airfield nearby. I, too, remember cringing unintentionally at the sound of aircraft. I remember being scared. And I am sure that it was much worse for those close to the sites of destruction or who lost people they loved or knew.

But I do not understand why this day of remembrance must automatically gravitate towards a day of glorification for the military, like the Springfield Christian Music station is promoting. I'm not here to knock the military. I simply do not understand why so many Christians, in particular, cannot seem to view the use of force and violence as, at best, a necessary evil rather than as the hallmarks of heroism. Why am I asked to celebrate a day of great sadness with Patriotic Pomp and Circumstance?

Trust me, I am proud to be an American.

I am not always proud of how "we" have behaved, however. I am not always proud of the choices that Americans have made throughout history. I certainly do wish that our national heroes were modeled on servant leaders instead of "might makes right."

So please, join me in praying for a more just and merciful world. Find a way this week to serve others in honor of those who served then and in memory of those who died. Need ideas and inspiration? Try this website!

http://911dayofservice.org/

Checking it Out

Today was my first trip to the library in a long time. Nico was blessedly cooperative (although he is not so excited when I sit down to the computer to tell you all about it!). Honestly, I did not know how to find books I like any more. I hope that in time the public library will begin to feel like a familiar place again. So, Expect reviews of the books I read in the evening, dear hearts! The first reviews will probably need to be a little commentary on the Twilight series which I have ravenously devoured in multiple readings since May and am now trying to break from.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Ciao for Now!