The pastor last night in our church shared out of Matthew, and the verse that particularly stood out to me was Matthew 10:28, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.   But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

The events of this day 5 years ago briefly led to a surge in church attendance, and a focus on God.  But much more than the focus on the Lord, it seems the events of that morning have led to a fear of man.  Fear of terrorists, fear of those who are able to carry out such a plot.  People in the political arena use this fear to gain momentum for their agendas, their parties, their ideas...accusing one another of doing or not doing enough to protect the citizens of our nation.  How much truth there is in statements regarding our national security is really hard for average me to discern, but the use of fear is there. Media, likewise, has no problem using fear to make its headlines a little more interesting, drawing one in to the controversies and concerns.  Again, discerning the truth about such dangers for an average homeschool mom is difficult.  My Bible has instructed me not to live in fear of those who can kill the body but not the soul. 

In the time since that, we have also seen natural disasters, some call them "acts of God", cause great damage and destruction.  A great tsunami claimed many more lives than the events in New York.  It didn't take long to see complaint about a lack of sufficient warning system.  New Orleans a little over a year ago, a terrible hurricane, and again blame.  Blame for not evacuating a city quickly enough.  Blame for insufficient and faulty levies.  Blame, as human nature showed itself spiralling into chaos and despair.  In the following month, another major hurricane, and a realization that evacuation could be just as much of a problem, as freeways jammed with fearful motorists trying to escape a repeat.  And yet the fear produced in all of these events is that of the disasters, not of the One who controls nature. 

Christians and other religions responded with relief, as did secular organizations, ministry opportunities presented themselves, and lives may certainly have been touched and blessed by those giving of their time, talents, and resources to assist those who were harmed by these events.  And yet, our nation continues to whittle away at its foundation in Christianity, denying that such a foundation really exists...the Ten Commandments are an abomination in public settings; politicians attempt to re-define marriage, many refusing to take a firm stand and others openly embracing these changes; the unborn continue to be an acceptable sacrifice in the name of convenience, choice, and now, medical research and advance.  There is an overwhelming lack of fear (awesome reverent respect) for the God who has truly blessed this nation.    

I pray that as people remember the events of September 11, 2001, there would take place a renewing of hearts and a return to the respect and reverence of God, the One who is sovereign and able to protect better than any plan, person, or government.