Focus on the Family Observes the Anniversary of September 11

Focus on the Family
Friday, 6 September 2002

Dr. James C. Dobson Calls the Nation to Remembrance and Repentance

Dr. James Dobson, founder and president of Focus on the Family, issued the following statement concerning the one-year anniversary of 9-11:

"As we all know, this week marks the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in western Pennsylvania. It was a shattering day, reminiscent of November 22, 1963, when a glamorous young president was murdered on a city street in Dallas. Every American old enough to have witnessed JFK's death will recall in vivid detail the images of the presidential motorcade speeding away from the 'grassy knoll,' and of Jackie's bloodstained pink dress, and of news anchor Walter Cronkite choking back his tears as he announced Kennedy's death at Parkland Hospital. The entire country went into a period of collective shock and mourning.

"September 11, 2001 was an even more shattering tragedy, when millions of horrified Americans watched as buildings collapsed and terrified New Yorkers ran down side streets to escape the dust and debris that swirled ominously behind them, and rescuers with NYFD emblazoned on their backs carried the dead and the wounded from Ground Zero. These images were seared forever on the soul of a nation. More than 3,000 people died at the hands of cowardly terrorists who killed innocent men, women and children without mercy. Countless family members and friends throughout the country continue to mourn their losses. Historian David McCullough called it 'the worst day in America's history,' and I agree.

"What happened in the weeks and months that followed 9-11 revealed both the vulnerability and the great strength of the American people. A sense of panic and unbridled fear swept the nation that led some citizens to cower in their homes, suspicious of even their own neighbors. The American Psychological Association reported dramatic increases in people complaining of generalized fear, anxiety, uncertainty, irritability, and tearfulness. More than 400,000 individuals nationwide sought mental health counseling between September and Christmas. Men and women were afraid to go to the mall, and their children had trouble eating or sleeping. The confidence of a nation seemed to wobble for a time.

"But some inspirational things occurred in the aftermath of that tragedy, too. Instantly, we were drawn together in a way that hadn't happened in many years. American flags appeared everywhere as patriotism soared. Churches were filled to capacity. Members of the U.S. Congress — Republicans and Democrats — who had been fighting like cats in a sack gathered on the Capitol steps and sang together, 'God Bless America.' Banners and billboards all across the country proclaimed 'United we stand!'

"We were reminded for the first time in many years that the values for which our forebears fought and died are still profoundly relevant to our day. People became more civic-minded and charitable. They complained less and volunteered more. There was less cynicism and greater kindness toward others. When tragedy struck in New York and Washington, D.C., we rallied around them and donated more than $2 billion in aid from our own pockets. We embraced stricken families and took their pain as our own. The materialistic binge of the Nineties gave way to thoughts of family, faith and freedom. Then slowly, America rallied and began to heal, finding something resilient and admirable inside that many thought had been lost.

"The common sentiment at the time was that the events of September 11 would change us forever. People compared the tragedy to Pearl Harbor, saying that the giant had once again been awakened from her slumber. But now, 12 months later, it is appropriate that we look back over the past year and ask, how much have we changed? Where are we now as a nation and as individual citizens? What lasting transformations have occurred since the horrible tragedy of 9-11?

"Unfortunately, it appears that many Americans quickly returned to what might be called "business as usual," abandoning the spiritual sanctuary that sheltered them during the crisis. They remind me in some ways of a baby with a pretty rattle. The child is preoccupied with the toy for a moment, but then drops it seconds later when distracted. We move so fast in this breathless culture that it is difficult to profit from the experiences of yesterday. How many of us, for example, ever look at photographs or videos taken of those we love? We save them to enjoy on some distant day that never comes. Americans are just too busy to remember our past, or the impulses that were once so compelling. So it has been with 9-11. Members of Congress are fighting each other again, and the unrelenting pace of life has reasserted itself as our master. Pollster George Barna noted that, although church attendance surged in the weeks following September 11, it dropped off again by November.

"Why? Because our response to the Almighty was more rhetorical than real. While it became fashionable to utter the prayer, 'God bless America,' and ask for divine assistance in that time of trouble, I heard very little during that time about our own sin and need for repentance. Not only should we have asked God to bless us individually and corporately, but we should have beseeched Him reverently to forgive us for our depravity, for our greed, and for killing our babies. Without that spirit of remorse, our plea to heaven was shallow and self-serving. No wonder our 'spiritual renewal' didn't last.

"Today, as we pause to remember our collective nightmare on that tragic September morn, may I urge my countrymen to reconsider the lessons we learned and the strength we found when everything was on the line? Can we recapture and preserve the spirit of unity that inspired us all, and the sense of compassion and sacrifice, of family connectedness and the faith of our fathers that gives meaning to our existence? Can we recognize, as we did when we were threatened, that security is an illusion, even within the borders of this powerful nation, and that stability can vanish with the wind in a world where evil men still plan to destroy and kill? My prayer is that a genuine spiritual renewal will sweep the nation, and that we will rediscover our inner strength. America is made out of good stuff. Historically it has thrived in response to pain and hardship, and we've always come out better and stronger for it. It is up to us then, you and me, to assure that the upheaval of the past year will not be wasted and that the spirit of 9-11 will live forever.

"As followers of Christ, we are challenged to live by example and to show a watching world that we must always be dependent entirely upon the Almighty. Life can change in an instant, and true peace of mind can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Only then will we be armed with the strength to withstand the challenges that come our way. Today, as we reflect on the tragedy of a year ago, may the testimony of the Psalmist be upon our lips: 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.'"

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org