Phoenix rising from the ashes ...

Many of us will vividly remember where we were on September 11, 2001. This was a day of tragedy that affected the whole world wide community. As I travelled to New York City this past summer, I was particularly conscious of that reality and how we still live in the aftermath of those horrific events.

This was the image as we travelled by boat to "Liberty Island". These members of the Swat team were preparing to board the same boat we were on, heading to the same tourist attraction we were going to. That's where the similarities ended, though. They were going not as tourists to enjoy the Island but rather as armed police to protect. As I watched them board I couldn't help but think of the sad reality we now live with.

However, taking the time to travel to the former site of the World Trade Towers and the surrounding neighbourhood brought a new perspective. Our guide on the boat cruise emphatically said that "Ground Zero" doesn't exist anymore, and he's right! "Ground Zero" was used to describe the devestation and wasteland after a nuclear attack. That is exactly what the site of the World Trade Towers looked like on September 11, 2001. That is not an appropriate description for what is happening on that piece of land today. The clean up has been completed; the debris has been removed; and, the building of the new Trade Tower has begun. Out of the ruins is coming new life with new hope full of new promise. Thanks be to God!

I was profoundly struck, too, by the cross which was unearthed in the cleaning up following September 11. It became, and in fact remains, a poignant symbol of hope in the midst of despair. It was very faith affirming for me to stand in front of it and take a moment to pause and reflect on this symbol which is at the center of my own faith. I am so pleased that it has been preserved, blessed and will take it's place as part of the memorial when it is completed.

I was also struck by how the ministry of St. Pauls was shaped and moulded by the events of September 11. This chapel stands literally across the street from where the World Trade Towers stood. Here in this sacred and holy space, volunteers welcomed and ministered to those who were working to rescue any possible survivors and who were eventually clearing away the debris. An altar still stands in St. Pauls as a memorial to those who were missing, many of whom died on that day; banners still grace the walls proclaiming messages of hope and peace. There was so much need and the church responded. What an example of faithfulness and discipleship.

Having visited and taken photographs at the former site of "Ground Zero", the observance of this anniversary this year will hit a bit closer to home. I've been there; I stood there; I've prayed there. And to be sure, it is no longer only a place of despair and loss but also of hope and promise. This Saturday, the ninth anniversary of that tragic day, I'm sure I will again remember. But having visited there, I will remember differently ... with sadness for what has happened to our world, but equally with hope for the future. The rebuilding has begun! Thanks be to God!