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| Hoosier United Methodist News |
December 2001 |
My Witness:
In times like these
By Ethel McCane
These days, when I hear planes overhead, I immediately look up to see which way they're going and why they might be flying a little low. Funny. I never cared about which way planes were going or how low they were flying before -- unless I was on one. When my mail comes in, I open it gingerly and pray no strange-looking substance falls from it. The mail at my job is being opened by workers wearing rubber gloves, now. I can't remember that ever happening in my lifetime.
Before Sept. 11, I could wear my favorite bracelets and earrings to work. These days, the metal detector has been set up to even detect the tiny nails in my shoes. My daily routine has been changed. If I ever had the tiniest inclination I was totally in control of my existence on this earth -- that's been corrected.
Three months have passed now since one of this nation's most tragic events ever. Sept. 11, 2001 is a mark on America's calendar that will never be forgotten. And even though several weeks have passed and some of the initial numbness has worn off, we still feel hurt, violated, vulnerable. We, who felt so snug and comfortable, wrapped in the security blanket of the most powerful nation on earth.
The attacks in New York and Washington shook us from that blanket and caused us to ponder many things we may have taken for granted. We continue to be reminded we are not invincible. Threats of biochemical warfare now swoop down to further erode our sense of peace and tranquility, and we have come to realize that the psychological effects of this tragedy may far outweigh the physical.
Indeed, a dark cloud hangs over our nation; but followers of Christ know how to look into dark clouds and find the silver linings. Rather than sit totally immersed in depression and paranoia, we can find the good, even in these evil deeds. For we who depend on the unwavering grace of our God to sustain us, will find a renewed spirit in others and ourselves.
I've noticed folks smiling and embracing each other more easily these days. The smiles and embraces reach across color lines and racial differences, ethnic backgrounds and denominational differences. Compassion and sharing is at an all-time high. Perhaps this new awareness and sensitivity to each other will strengthen us for doing our Lord's work. It's sad but true. Sometimes the body must feel pain to make us recognize the need for healing.
Yes, our sense of physical wellness has been rattled but maybe to the good of our spiritual wellness. Maybe the world, the nation, the Church, God's people, will find healing amid the hurt. For in times like these, we may need to hear a soft voice say: "be still and know that I am God."
Ethel McCane is a lay member of Barnes UMC, Indianapolis.
Last updated on 01/14/2004