Sunday, September 8, 2002
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Sunday, September 8, 2002 |
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Whatever Happened to "You're Welcome"?
By REV.
DR. KNOX HERNDON
Much has been written on this subject and will be for many moons. Each of us in our own way have dealt with this issue and have deep feelings about what happened. For starters, I often wondered about all the psychics and those who are taking peoples money in fortelling their futures. Not a one, to my knowledge, predicted any of this. Also, I have always wondered why these psychics don't play the lottery. They could certainly make millions on a weekly basis, couldn't they? I guess I will have to use the old-fashioned way of just trusting in God to lead my life and the lives of my family and the lives of those in our church. Do you remember where you were when you heard the news? I was in a boat on the Tannah River near Manly Hot Springs, Alaska, when we got a call on the boat radio that on national television a plane had hit the World Trade Center. Then, of course, the terrible news of the second strike came in. We were stunned. Here we were heading up river to "Maudes," which is a moose camp up river, for a fresh water re-supply to the camp. We didn't know whether to head back to base camp or just continue with the mission. Here is where my Liturgical friends would say, "Here ends the lesson." What do we do when tragedy strikes? Do we immediately sell the house, cash in all our savings, leave our church, have a garage sale, pull the kids out of school, and load up the van? There may come a time in life when that is a viable option, but in most cases, it is not the answer. In most cases, we need to regroup, assess the damage, make necessary adjustments, and move on with the mission at hand. Maybe it comes from my military background, but that is what we did in Alaska. We "continued with the mission," because people were counting on us. In fact, people are counting on you, especially in times of tragedy. We must "press on" or the Bin Ladens and Lucifers of life will win. Speaking of "military background," I remember something that we here in the "civilian sector" could learn. I remember in all the hundreds of staff meetings I attended, where in the beginning of each meeting the "mission statement" would be flashed on the screen. This happened no matter what the meeting was about. In other words, it became, "Tell me once again: Why are we here?" There used to be a saying that went around in our military circles; it went something like this: "When you're up to your armpits in alligators, it's hard to remember that your mission was to drain the swamp!!" I wish that marriages, families, churches, business and nations, would all have "mission statements." Ask yourself, "what is my mission statement here in this life?" I sincerely believe that it would clarify many issues. Just think of the church and how many churches have split over the most insignificant subjects imagineable. If they were to read their "mission statement" at all their meetings, I sincerely believe it could solve most of the problems. 9/11 was truly tragic especially for the loss of the 3,000 lives and the families that are having to "press on." God's Word continues to be a source of strength, especially in times of tragedy. It is hard to read, "All things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose." It is equally hard to read, "With God all things are possible," but tragedy still slams us. I went to two funerals with a dear friend, Tommy Duncan. We went to North Carolina for his sister's funeral and another one to North Georgia to bury his long-time family friend. We grieve, and we press on. There are several "good things" that I think have come out of the tragedy. First of all, I now have a love for New Yorkers. This, I must confess, has not always been the case for me. I would attend our Chaplain's School which was housed at Fort Moumouth, N.J., and dread each trip into the city. It was not that I naturally disliked New York, but honestly, the people could get real nasty real quickly. I no longer feel this way because of 9/11. Since this tragedy, I have seen a different side of New Yorkers. I also think that 9/11 has brought patriotism, that was somewhat dormant in our country, to the forefront where it belongs. Personally, I love it. I think 9/11 has forced our security forces to all work together for the good of the country. This is as it should be. I think 9/11 has caused the nation to spiritually wake up and realize that there are forces out there that want to shut us down. I think 9/11 has shown how "religion" can be perverted completely for the work of evil. You complete your own list of what 9/11 has meant to you. Listen for the trumpet; time is short! The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is pastor of His House Community Church (SBC). The Rev. Greg Mausz is senior associate pastor. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The church is just below Fayetteville, on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of Ga. Highway 16, just below the fire station. Visitors welcome. Church office and prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail KHERN2365@aol.com. The church's new Web site is www.hishousecommunitychurch.com.
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