Survivors

 In life, we can either have a victim mentality or a survivor mentality. Bad things happen. It seems to be a part of everyone’s life. Here is an article that defines the difference between victim and survivor. https://ahmdshin.substack.com/p/survivor-mindset-the-opposite-of?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web My goal is to help in processing through and have tools to move forward. Today we remember a national tragedy, but I pray we remember as survivors. Never forget the lives lost, but never forget the lessons we learn, the strength that pulled a nation through. Scripture tells us in several places to love our enemies. Matthew 5:44-48 states: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” As a former AEMT, a Fire Chaplain (my doctorate is on fire chaplaincy) and having many family and friends associated with the fire and police service it is a day marked with sadness, but also pride for all those who lived and died. For as John 15:13 states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” to those in service we are all their friends. That day I did my first funeral vigil, but had to wait as the family were making frantic calls to New York to family who worked in the building and traveled the tunnels. Let us not forget the families who also loved ones. A day of prayer, a day of prayerful reflection as we travel as survivors on the path…