9/11 Memorial

Ara & Deborah present the wreath from the Peace Ambassadors

The Peace Ambassadors pose for a photo in front of San Angelo's September 11th Monument, after the 9/11 Service of Rememberance and Hope for the Future.

Attending the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was a beautiful expression of healing for the American people. Honoring those services which promote Peace, embracing our children (our future) and having the Peace Ambassadors who represent some of the many faiths traditions of American present a Peace Wreath, warmed my heart. Ths ceremony orchestrated by Rev. Nathanial Hankins was representation of the essence of America, the Land of the Free.

The land of the Free for me is having: the freedom to be the fullest expression of who we are created to be; the freedom to co-create our lives for the betterment of all society; the freedom to express our love for our Creator in the vast expressions of that Creator; the freedom to live next to my neighbor in peace, love and respect; the freedom to study and learn about all things, and the freedom to Just Do It because what do I have to loose.

Sitting at this service, it was revealed to me that acts of violence, hate, prejudice, condemnation are only symptons of much greater issues. Issues of fear, misunderstanding and the feeling of seperation and lack. With this awareness, I must ask deeper questions. Why do they hate us so? Why were the people who attacked America afraid of us? Where is the misunderstanding between us? What is it that we have that they want? Then I wondered, have we ask them the questions so that we could understand? Knowing that my experience of the world is a reflection of myself, I am called to ask myself the same questions. Do I include all people without regard to gender, race, creed and religion? Do I share my time, talents, and treasures with those less fortunate? Do I seek to console others in their time of need? Do I forgive others and myself for the little and big things in life? Do I take the time to inter into conversations with all people in an attempt to understand. The answer in most cases, I am sad to say is NO!

In order for me to have inner peace and thus global peace, I must put my pride that says, MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY BUSTER! behind me. I must open my mind and my heart to the possiblity in the word's of Oliver Cromwell, "I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken." Opening myself to the possiblity that I may be mistaken humbles me. It makes me teachable. Thank God, I was blessed to be an American where I can ask the questions and freely express myself.