A Turning Point
By Jim Pitts and Vic Greene

September 11, 2001, was a turning point for all Americans. This was a 911 call that few expected.

The shock is beginning to subside, yet overwhelming sadness continues. The crisis is not past but may be a preview of other horrors to come. The realities of rage and revenge have burst our bubble of invincibility.

We were more comfortable living in denial. When life tumbles in, what then? What in the world can we do? Some crises are predictable; others take us by surprise.

All remind us of our finitude and need for a faith perspective that transcends the present. For young adults, the loss is one of innocence. Ready or not, adult life with all of its rights and responsibilities is now. For those who are more mature, this calamity causes us to revisit griefs we thought were past and forgotten. Feelings of vulnerability, distrust and anger surface and surprise us.

Besides acting crazy or going criminal, what in God's name can we do?

As we journey through this present wilderness, we need to take seriously the dimensions of our grief. The road to reconciliation and acceptance is long and difficult. There is no quick fix or easy resolution.

Along the way we face shock and denial, anger and fear, panic and pleading, depression and guilt. Remember that every crisis is filled with both danger and opportunity and offers the possibility of spiritual growth.

We don't need to sit around and stew in our juices. We need to think, talk and pray. We need to move beyond personal preoccupation and connect with others and with God. We are not alone. We are not abandoned and we are not without hope.

In light of what's happening in the world, let's resolve to:

o Talk about feelings.

o Ask for help.

o Listen to others and be kind.

o Spend time with family and friends.

o Return to our daily routine.

o Limit TV time.

o Reassure our children that they are loved.

o Recall other times we persevered through adversity.

o Do something to help others.

o And most importantly … Pray!

Let us pull together as a campus to demonstrate our shared spirit of community, compassion and strength during this troubling time.

Jim Pitts and Vic Greene are the university chaplains.