In The Face of Tragedy

I'm not just talking about survivors, though as the hours add up, our hopes deplete. I'm talking about what we can take with us from this tragedy, and how each one of us can help.

Donating water, blood, clothing, money...these are all fabulous ways to help. But what can be given from each of us can last longer than the relief efforts will.

We can give our compassion, and our prayers. We can give hope to a hurting nation, a hurting world, that cried out for help long before this terroristic attack. And in turn, we can become better people...better Americans.

As I sat there, feverishly watching the news as people scattered through the streets, entranced in state of shear panic, I felt my heart cry. Likewise, my eyes responded. I was flooded with tears, and at first, my own state of panic. Afterall, I lived only miles south of what had happened.

As each building crumbled, as each person cried, and as each rescue worker gagged from the raging clouds of smoke and soot, my spirit was anielated.

How could anyone, even under terroristic or religious brainwash, do such a thing?

Instilled with fear, I cried, I shook, I sobbed. And I prayed outloud, swaying back and forth on my couch.

And my concerns grew. My cousin worked in the World Trade Center.

I tried to call relatives for information with no avail for almost two hours. I finally learned that he had taken the day off of work. It didn't dawn on me that this was a miracle in itself until later during the day.

I was relieved to say the least. But later on that day, after I stumbed into work a tearful mess, I was sent out on a local story to cover how residents felt about the attacks.

There I met a woman, a fellow Christian, who fearlessly told of how she was not afraid. In disbelief, I continued my conversation with her, and put my notebook down, ceasing to write, yearning to understand her wisdom.

How could she not be afraid? My world, the world of so many in that city, was once so secure, and now, it was a shattered mess. Though friends of mine who worked in the city, and even my cousin, were okay, I was still shaken to the core.

But this woman was right. As much as we feel scared, and even if you don't believe in God, there is hope.

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