September 2002 Lessons - 7-11 -9-11

During this past month citizens of free nations held special services for the victims of the 9-11 tragedy.  There were speeches, prayers and interfaith prayers held world-over.  Leaders pledged to protect our country and our spiritual leadership prayed for the victims and held special prayerful services.  The world was praying for a time of peace.  How the 9-11 tragedy united all people ignoring color, religion, or race - something religious leaders could not accomplish!!

When I think of the 9-11 tragedy and how our country has changed I realize that most of America is now very different.  We have gone from an innocent and trusting people to a mature people.  At one time we sent our children to a 7-11 shop anytime, day or night.  But now, we have lost that innocent, free spirit, uncaring feeling.  We now consider racial profiling almost standard.  We are suspicious of others and nothing can be called typical. Habitual checks for security and safety are now the norm.

That culture that might have been named by sociologists as a "7-11 mentality generation" either by age-innocent and trusting, or referring to the shop open day or night.  That safe place to shop without worry is now gone. 

We are now living in the "9-11 times!" 

Make no mistakes, nobody and no place is above scrutiny.   Forces of evil are everywhere.  From Anthrax to Bio-attacks.  Worries about our water supplies and air, something once taken for granted, are now a concern.  We are continuing to mature and become suspicious.

President Bush thinks and talks of war from day to day.   How do we mentally prepare ourselves for the future?  We have a lot to concern ourselves with.

A few years ago the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, said to our leadership:  "The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his way!" The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this as a prophecy, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption, through increasing acts of goodness and kindness.

It is high time for all of us to reach out and help somebody in need.  Instead of waiting for tragedies to come and then unite we are to step up to the plate now and make this world a safer place to live.  We ought to back our President and prevent further terrorism.