"Finding Hope in Despair”

Last weekend I was in New York City to see some friends and we visited the 9/11 Memorial Site. Each of us became quiet as we remembered the feeling we each had on that day almost eight years ago when the towers fell and so many people were killed. We then walked less than a block into the small Anglican Church, St. Paul’s Trinity, which served as the place of refuge and rest for the firefighters, rescue workers and aid workers. My eyes filled with tears as I saw the photos and messages left by desperate family members frantically searching for loved ones they would never see again. In another area were photos of church members and other people who came into the area to bring water, necessities, and compassion to those who were digging through the wreckage or waiting to hear word about their loved ones. I was heartened to see that there were many who followed the call of Jesus to “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galations 6:2). As I looked around at the many people walking through this church, I praised God for the hope and love that He was continuing to inspire through the gracious gifts of the persons in that Church during that painful time for many families and our nation. One of the greatest witnesses that we can have for Christ is to help those who are hurting. As Jesus commanded, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Selah