Rising Above

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 Ten years ago, a life-changing event occurred while I was brushing my teeth. Thousands of people were killed and millions of lives were changed. Yesterday we had a chance to honor those people and to take a look at how September 11^th has forever changed us.

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The Mormon Tabernacle Choir teamed up with Tom Brokaw for a special Music & the Spoken Word, entitled “9/11- Rising Above.”

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I would like to echo a few of the thoughts they shared:

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“The memory of rescuers – civilians and first responders – the raw courage of the fight back passengers on United flight 93 – those are the images that endure. We wonder, "Would I be as brave?”

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Their sacrifice was a personal choice— to put others before their own well being. People of every religious persuasion recognize that this is grace: The willingness to give what has not been earned, and what may not be deserved—it is certainly the highest virtue and the deepest expression of love for others.

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Victory is not on the battlefield alone. There is also the victory of the heart and faith and compassion. "God bless America” became the unofficial anthem of 9/11 because so many found comfort and guidance in its soaring stanzas. It bound together a nation in need of a common voice.

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Today, with arms outstretched to one another, and hands willing to serve, America has come together once again. May it ever be so.”

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SoHo Blues - Photography by Allan Tannenbaum

I also found President Monson’s guest blog for The Washington Post to be inspiring:

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“Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.

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Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.”

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Please take some time to reflect on how the events of 9/11 changed your life, and how you can make it a way to rebuild.