Shock and horror has made way for a new feeling in me. This new feeling is still dotted by involuntary emotional outbursts followed by a numb feeling of disbelief. It is a combination of hopelessness and sadness as we witness the heartache, and joy and love for those who found love ones. The seesaw effect my emotions, as other people's emotions, have taken is devastating, making it almost impossible to focus. But, focus we must if we are to survive. We must try to figure out what went wrong. We need to realize that we are in terrible trouble, not just with this attack as horrible as it was, but with a world that produces such terrorists.

We would all agree that this is a time of severe crisis that calls for the most desperate measures. War is a reality. Death tolls in the thousands already a certainty, destruction so widespread that all humanity has been touched by it.

People across the country and all over the world are wondering what it is that we, as individuals can do. Most of us yearn to be an active part of the solution. All of us want to be proactive, preventing a nightmarish scene like this from ever happening again. Everyone wants justice or revenge. And we want it now. Swiftly and completely. But most of all, we want to turn the clocks back before Tuesday. We want to go back to the world as it was. We do not want our world to change, but it has. It is obvious, that world is no more.

The only hope left is to make a better world. Find in our hearts a quest for justice rather than revenge. Rekindle patriotism and faith. This appears to have already begun. Seeing so many flags displayed and the words God Bless America on so many lips is heartwarming. But, will it last?

In weeks from now, will some so callous forget? Will our nation once again be submersed in the casual attitude about what freedom means? Will the apathy return which often prevails about the importance of being an American and feeling the honor of all that implies? If we cannot sustain the feelings of patriotism, how can we sustain the war to protect our freedom? We are told this will be a far-reaching, long term fight pitting good against evil and the sacrifice will be heavy. Are we ready?

As a mother for my own selfish reasons I pray for a peaceful solution. I want to avoid war at all cost. I know, however, this is not possible or realistic. As an American citizen I demand the guilty parties pay for their monstrous deeds. As a Christian I need to remind myself that justice and revenge are not the same thing.

The outpouring of prayers and attendance at faith- based services and candlelight vigils are gratifying to the soul. Even those who claim no religion are participating in this way because they themselves are so deeply touched by the events. What about a month from now? Will they line the pews of our spiritual houses? Will they still care? Or will they return to the complacent attitude, which says they do not need God and will not allow God to be part of their life? We all need to increase our spiritual life if that better world is ever to appear. We need God in times like this. Prayer and fellowship must be a first consideration, not an afterthought.

People are resilient and that remarkable quality is sorely needed. At this moment the spirit of this country is strong and united. Among tears, sobs, and voices choked with emotion are declarations of support for this country. This unity, support, and strength are only seen during times of tragedy. Why is that? If we are to be a free nation, it must continue.

The heroic efforts of so many that are doing a job, most of us could never do, cannot be praised enough. Those who work tirelessly to help others, risking, and even losing their own lives in the process are beyond anything we could expect in this present day of self-centered people. They are true heroes. For so long, we needed heroes so badly and there were none. Our kids had no heroes and now we have thousands of them.

Caring deeply for our neighbors was a lost feeling that has surfaced once again. It has always been alive, but never this prevalent. People who don't care about other human beings have outnumbered the good folks in the past. Recently, people stood by and watched others human rights abused. Have we woken up? Those who willfully endanger and take lives or commit other heinous crimes are certainly not filled with this spirit of caring and love. We must all cultivate this spirit and genuinely learn to care for all of humanity.

Those who made attacks on individuals of Mid Eastern descent and mosques for others evidenced this week have marred the wonderful compassion. This is revenge and not justice. We cannot set out to love the world and then start by making exceptions to whom we will love. Even God has demonstrated that justice is righteous when it is directed at those who are responsible and deserve it. We must remain calm enough to possess the common sense it takes to know the difference between justice and revenge. We have a president and leaders who have backgrounds anchored in faith. We must trust that they will ask God to guide them. We must prepare for long-term support since the road ahead seems endless. What else can we do?

Parents must take control back from their kids. We must support a parent's right to use discipline of their choosing. (Of course, we do not condone abuse.) Children who listen to their parents and follow rules grow up to be adults who respect and obey the laws.

Along with discipline, parents must love their children better than themselves and put kids first. Parental love must be the strongest example of unconditional love in any child's world. This is the only way for kids to grow up knowing that love is stronger than hate and all people are worthy of our caring.

Teach your children tolerance from birth for those who are different. We must search our relationships for our kids that encompass other races, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs. Example teaches love or hate. A child who can learn to live with everyone will have a peaceful and happy life. Families must not allow racial slurs, or prejudice of any kind. Devastation such as this weeks can be prevented by tolerance and understanding.

Stop violence and anger before it becomes a habit in your family, school, or community. Do not allow it in your home. Remember it will escalate. Take threats seriously and notify those who should know. We need a society that respects and cherishes life.

This 'New World' will take lots of work. So you no longer need to sit there and say what can we do. The jobs ahead are endless. God bless us all.

© Copyright 2001

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel