9-11 Reflections

Do you remember where you were and how you felt 7 years ago on September 11th. As I look back, I remember being up early that morning, in order to catch a flight to Los Angeles. I was in the living room putting my shoes on, when the morning programming was interrupted by the “news flash” of an jet crashing into one of the Twin Towers in New York City. As we watched in confused horror, as the flames burst out of the building, the questions flew out from the TV speakers and from millions of minds across America…”How could this happen?” “How did a jet get that far off course?” “Was there a mechanical failure?” It all didn’t seem reasonable nor plausible. Then, I saw the second plane fly onto the TV screen and into the second Twin Tower! OK, this is no coincidence…somethings up? Suddenly, it was like watching something from some horrible nightmare. The media and the millions watching suddenly realized this was no longer some kind of fluke accident…something hugely tragic was happening right before our eyes. Yet, in the midst of this horrible catastrophy, we began to see some incredible scenes of people helping people. Some of the bravest, most selfless things, many of us have ever seen, would unfold in the hours, days, and weeks to come. People sacrificed their lives for strangers. Common citizens did the extra-ordinary for the benefit of those wounded, scared and distraught. Firemen, police officers, construction workers, pastors, relief agency's, soldiers, bankers, lawyers, housewives, celebrities, the unemployed, religious workers of every type, doctors, nurses, students, executives and blue collar workers united in something very beautiful. We saw people help, give, work and raise money for those affected. We saw liberal and conservative side by side for the greater good. We saw the employer and the employee weeping in each others arms, comforting one another. It didn't matter what class or race you were, we hurt & helped with each other. We saw an outpouring of something very good, something unique during this time. It came from all over the world, as the world rallied to help heal those wounded and those who lost loved ones. Suddenly no one was worried about church & state, or praying, or whose agenda was right or wrong. It became very clear that something very attractive, very healing, very loving was rising up during this time. In many ways it was a great reflection of how God’s love is intended to flow through His people, as they unite as one body, and represent His love to a hurting world. Everyone’s contribution was important. Everyone’s gift was needed. Everyone’s heart of concern was valued. It was a time that has left us all too soon. It was a time that truly represented all that was good in people, it seemed. That good, really was a manifestation of God’s love, through the unity of many, many diverse people. Some of the most unlikely people stood side by side united to “get through” this together. It was awesome to see, and sad to have seen leave us. Yet God’s heart remains the same…He desires that His people would represent Him in the flesh…grace with skin on…love lived out…mercy in action. It is very attractive when we see it. It touches us all very deeply when we come in contact with it. I believe it has such a deep affect on us because God has designed us to live within that environment…so when we do live it out…its beautiful…its right…its life changing. When we don’t see it…we notice…and it hurts. At ECHO we desire to learn to live a life of grace, with each other and within the community we live. We know, as we learn to love as God loves, then many will be touched and drawn towards the God who is Love. As we do this, as an authentic “body of people” sharing life, as we live in our roles, our giftings and our differences…together something really cool happens…and it changes lives when we do!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO