This week someone asked me, "How will you remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks?"
I thought of many things I could do.
I could release balloons with 'I remember' messages in them.
I could put a colorful magnetized ribbon on my car.
I could send letters of sympathy to the families of the fallen.
I could lay flowers at Ground Zero and shed tears of sorrow.
These gestures with heartfelt emotion are great things I could do, yes.
But what did I choose?
I chose to wake up on Sunday 9/11/11 knowing the world will never be as it was, but with a song in my heart because I still believe in hope.
I chose to attend my church services because I still believe that terrorists cannot quench my spirit.
I chose to paint the new stage backdrop during worship because I still believe in beauty.
I chose to hug my blood, friend and church family members because I still believe that love wins.
I chose to barbeque burgers with my best friend and his daughter because I still believe in fun.
I chose to take a lazy Sunday afternoon nap because I still believe in rest.
I chose to watch football because I still believe a little healthy competition is a good thing.
I chose to enjoy my cats' antics because I still believe in laughter.
I chose to keep moving forward because I still believe that no one holds me back but me.
I chose to heal because I still believe that in it there is joy.
I chose to celebrate the tiny future happinesses not only remember the horrors of the past because I still believe in dreams.
I chose to sleep at the end of the day because I still believe in peace.
I CHOSE all these ways to honor the lives lost and scarified because I still believe in freedom and justice for ALL.
