Faith and Freedom

In whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. Ephesians 3:12

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

My September 11 experience re-connected me with the important values in my life. My husband and I went to New York City to serve as Disaster Childcare volunteers following September 11, 2001. 

Arriving at Kennedy Airport, we noted U.S. flags everywhere. Pier 94, a warehouse where we did childcare, had U.S. flags hanging across the wide expanse. All workers had one purpose, assisting the survivors of the World Trade Center. 

Parents brought their children for us to care for while they dealt with the maze of agencies documenting their loss. The dividers were covered with pictures and letters from children all over the U.S.

As physically and emotionally draining as this experience was for those who lost so much, it was also uplifting. A special bond united us all, with a common purpose. Even in the aftermath of this tragic event, I felt a sense of hope for the future of the survivors and our country.

Most importantly, my experience in New York affirms for me the importance of faith and freedom. Faith – for me, faith is essential to having hope for our future.  The Rev. Mark J. Stewart, affirms, “There was a resiliency in the American spirit to see this tragic moment through. A new spiritual awakening, sense of being and purpose, and dedication to principles of freedom and life emerged from the carnage.  Out of the shadow of death, there is a new morn.”

Freedom – September 11, 2001, affirmed, for me, how fragile and how vital freedom is to our democracy. So what does September 11 have to do with voting and freedom? I loved seeing the flags flying everywhere.  I loved the enthusiastic singing of the National Anthem. However, I don’t think waving flags and other symbols of patriotism are enough. For our families today and our children and grandchildren tomorrow, we must find time and energy to insure our country’s freedom. Registering to vote, becoming an informed voter, and working to insure justice for all citizens in our country and around the world is essential to our democracy.

Many citizens do not vote. We can encourage our friends and neighbors to vote. For our democracy to continue as a vital force, we must do this.  As Erica Snyder, a student, stated, “I learned that to be great in a community, you don’t need to be famous, you don’t need to be wealthy.  You simply need to become a reliable source of good.”

                       

Prayer: God, we need your encouragement to insure freedom and justice for all citizens in our country and around the world. Lead and guide us. Amen.

Lois Poppe