September 11, 2001

On September 11 , 2001 , Tom Brokaw, stated, “A date which will live in infamy.” The statement was originally made in aftermath of the Pearl Harbor bombing by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. There are parallels. Without warning Pearl Harbor was bombed by a nation that had assured us that it desired peace. 2,402 men died that fateful day . Without warning, the twin
towers of the WTC were struck by two planes, killing nearly 3,000 individuals. Both events plunged us into wars: war against Japan and war against terrorism.

My words 10 years ago to the church in Louisiana: “The reality is that things have changed —air travel will never be the same; a free-loving attitude toward all foreigners has been tainted; trust has given way to suspicion. An event like this changes things and changes us. How will we allow ourselves to be affected? I choose faith over fear. Some of us have had our homes robbed. For me suspicion and notably fear nearly paralyzed me. A greater faith in my God who works everything out for my good gave my life another dimension. Choose faith!

“I choose love over hate. We have already seen fellow Americans lashing out at foreigners. We understand why but all too often justice is far from being served, instead more innocent individuals suffer. Love has surfaced in many forms — in sacrifice of money through donations and blood, in the tireless work of rescue workers, in firemen and policemen who gave themselves to save others. Choose love! May God bless us all.” On September 11, 2011, we too have the opportunity to choose faith over fear, love over hate.
— Steve Teel