As I am writing this article I am very much aware of two dates on the calendar this week that have the potential to make this somewhat of a heavy week, or at the very least these two dates can cause much reflection and remembering.
The date that most of us adults are quite aware of is September 11 or better known as simply 9/11. And that is today, Friday, as I’m finishing this article and many of you are reading it. Of course, 9/11/2001 is the date 25 years ago that terrorists attacked the USA here in our own country using airline jets to bring down the twin World Trade Center towers in New York city, and they also hit the Pentagon. A fourth airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. It isn’t known for sure what the target of that airliner was, though it was suspected it was heading for either the Capital building or the White House, both in Washington DC. Either way, it didn’t make it.
The question is often asked, “Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001? My answer is, “Definitely YES!” I was at home in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Nancy called out to me, “Keith, an airliner hit a tall building in New York.” I went to the TV and was watching the news coverage when the second tower was hit. I knew this was not an accident…it was intentional. Much of the rest of the day was a blur. I know there wasn’t much office work accomplished and there were a lot of prayers offered. I remember the feeling of shock to know that our country had been attacked right here at home. But something good did come out of that day….
The second event that marks this week is that yesterday, September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a day for raising the awareness of death by suicide in our state, our nation, and the entire world. Did you know that South Dakota has the 5th highest suicide rate per capita, in our nation. South Dakota has ranked at least 5th in the nation for several years in a row. The entire month of September is Suicide Awareness Month, and 9/8, or this past Tuesday, is known as 988 day, the toll-free hotline number to talk to a mental health professional.
I truly believe in the cause of making people more aware of suicide, the thoughts and feelings that can lead in that direction, as well as all the mental health resources that are available. During Suicide Awareness day I often think of the individuals that I have known who have died by suicide. I also think of those whose funeral services I have officiated, that died by suicide. I always feel a sadness knowing that someone felt such pain and despair that they felt death by suicide was their only option.
So, as you read this, I’m sure you are feeling heavy too. As I said…today is a heavy day. But there is good news in all of this! I remember the days following 9/11 and how united we felt as a nation. We weren’t focused on a political party or a cause…we were Americans! If it was possible then, it is possible still today. I just hope we don’t need a tragedy to bring this feeling back.
The other good news in the heaviness of this week is that there are greater efforts today about helping people understand mental health needs. There is a great awareness of the reality of suicide. In fact, just last evening I spoke at the Tegan’s Light Memorial Walk held at DWU. What was shared with me was that because of information and resources that the Tegan’s Light organization was able to provide, they were able to help a couple of individuals receive the mental health help they needed so that they decided they weren’t going to end their lives. That is a win!!
My takeaway in all of this is that our world today needs more points of light, more reservoirs of hope, and more examples of love. And that is exactly why we as a church are here in this community. In fact, come to worship this Sunday or join us through technology and hear about the GOAL that we are going to be working on this year. Then on Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 pm, our church will be hosting our 4th annual “Service of Healing and Hope.” This is a service designed to provide an opportunity for people who have been touched by the reality of suicide to remember those they have lost and to take a step to find healing and peace in their journey of grief. This service is just another way that we are truly seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus as a church family and faith community.
Pastor Keith