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Healing After Tragedy

© Shannon Lester

As mainstream America awoke on the morning of September 11, 2001, we found ourselves in the middle of the most deadly terrorist attack in American history. What each of us saw on Tuesday has engaged all of our hearts, our emotions, our minds. But at a time of much sadness and uncertainty, it is important to focus on the more comforting aspects of our lives, so that we can find comfort in the notion that we are a nation that “stands united.”

Moving on will take time, no doubt. And the tragedy that behooves us now is far too overwhelming for us to understand. We see the images on television and listen to our future plans to respond, while so many people live in despair.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. May God rest those who lost their lives. On the night of September 11, 2001, a multiplicity of prayer vigils were held to honor those who lost their lives during the attack. E-mails related to the tragedy have been flooding e-mailboxes ever since the attack began.

When a tragedy like this one claims the lives of so many innocent people and beckons international attention , we can’t help but think of the situation at hand and its long-term implications. But the brutality of Black Tuesday has rendered a different conflict in the lives of so many Americans. Those left behind are left to mourn the loss of friends and loved ones. Their lives will never be the same.

The Healing Process

How can we heal? The depth of our emotions are at their peak. Our emotions are so complex and intense at a time like this that a true catharsis of emotion is impossible. We try to speak, but the words won’t come out of our mouths. We look to God. We’re disheartened and lost. We despair. We give up.

How can we cope when such a horrible tragedy has a grip on our lives and our hearts? As many have said before, “Pray.” We all have the simple and free gift of prayer. Take your sorrows to your spiritual being, place of worship, or a place where you can purge your feelings of anger, loss, and despair. Take your feelings and your sadness to others of your faith.

Sometimes taking a walk through the woods or a serene place can allow us to sort through our most intimate thoughts about lost friends and loved ones. This can serve as an alternative to voicing your feelings, if verbalizing them is difficult. Cry if you have to.

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