Page 243 - Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilience

212 Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilence

the news would report yet another funeral or speculate about found
remains. Paranoia was as thick as the debris cloud shown over and over
as if it were a monster that could not be killed. This great opportunity
to minister, like the random acts of love and kindness around the city,
all began to slowly fade, only to be replaced by recrimination, growing
jingoism, and lawsuits. The same people seeking answers, reassurance,
and sanctuary soon left houses of worship in droves after the immediate
trauma of the moment passed.
But, there were other victims of the tragedy who could not shake off
their pain or lose their fear. A friend of mine was separated from her child
(her child ended up in New Jersey while she searched frantically for her)
and did not know where to start looking. Her story and reunion was cap-
tured on PBS. I heard a mother talk about how her grown daughter refuses
to travel to Manhattan. I hosted a meeting focused on first responders of
color. A young policewoman and experienced fireman both broke down
when recalling the horrific day. I still remember weeks after 9/11 walking
my dog and ducking as an airplane would fly by overhead (my neighbor-
hood is on the LaGuardia Airport landing path). There are individuals
who will never be the same. Their issues outstripped the faith commu-
nity’s ability to respond.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths
grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in
the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they
will run and not get weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40: 29-31)

Oppressed Oppressors

On October 8, 2001, I held a citywide Celebration of Peace at my church
(The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York). The Lord dropped this idea in
my spirit—to bring young people and their family members from various
communities and faith traditions (a first) together to celebrate peace and
learn more about each other. This meeting was called against a backdrop of
growing violence reported in many newspapers after 9/11 directed toward
young people perceived to hail from Muslim countries located mainly in
South Asia (many young Sikhs were beaten) and the Middle East. Anyone
wearing a head covering, male or female, was thought to be Muslim and
deserved to be hurt.
There were over 500 young people and adults in attendance. We had
singers, steppers, rappers, dancers, and a choir made up of elementary