Today marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It was essentially half a lifetime ago for me, coloring much of my adult life. The "War or Terror" served as the backdrop for the vast majority of my daughters' lifetimes.

In the immediate aftermath, we swore we would never forget. We rallied around our friends and neighbors, unified in grief and resolve. A cultural movement grounded in patriotic pride and resilience took root. Suppliers of American flags couldn't even keep up with demand.

A Dangerous & Foolish Game

eYet, as a captivated public, we also learned to channel our pain into hatred toward designated enemies, watching like spectators as the powers that be played out a deadly game of cat and mouse.  The figurehead was eventually taken down, and the world moved on..

Somewhere along the way, though, we grew confused. We DID forget. More to the point, we changed the narratives. We turned inward and decided that the very friends and neighbors who once stood beside us are now our enemies.

We caved into our fundamental human nature, which so often reveals itself as inherently rebellious.

Meanwhile, we have elevated mortal court jesters into icons. Make no mistake, they may masquerade as leaders—but putting them in charge of our collective destinies is reckless.

An Unnatural Infection

When a global virus infected the world, conspiracy theorists and opportunists seized their moments under the sun. Many abandoned everything good and true under Heaven. In the pursuit of more and better, we've spread lies as certain truth while systematically exterminating critical thought.

We may as well be watering our fields with Brawndo as machines move toward their long-sought uprising, methodically killing off all that was once authentic and real.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for every purpose under Heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. Today we mourn. Laughter has long since ceased, and the healing feels oh so far off.

Every season contains a purpose. If history moves in cycles, then we are overdue for a shift. We must move to turn the page on this dreadful winter of our discontent and usher in a true awakening—a turning point that resets our moral compass and restores our upright and sober humanity.

Turn Toward a New Season

Let this day provoke genuine change.

Break down the strongholds that have us worshipping digital gods and casting stones at neighbors. Let us choose instead to build up with healing hearts and hands.

Let's make the turn.

I swear... it is not too late!