The flags are flying all over my town in memory of the heartbreaking things that happened 25 years ago. The weather is spookily reminiscent of that terrible day – mild temps and a bright, cloudless sky. On a day of extreme sadness, let us direct our hearts in the direction of what is good:

Lament well for the lives that were shattered and changed by the day. It’s an often overlooked and ultimately healthier response to brutality and injustice. Mourning and lament processes pain so we are not owned by it and can more effectively discern our part in seeking justice.

Advocate for accountability for the perpetrators and their enablers. Even as we mourn, we don’t let the individuals who do great evil off the hook. But we seek that justice soberly and not out of vengeance.

But there are also impulses we may feel that are not helpful:

Let us not allow ourselves to turn our sadness into the anger that somehow gives us license to dehumanize and demonize people who had nothing to do with the attacks. That does harm to our souls as much as it sets back any effort toward the peace we say we want.

I just heard a story today of local parents who lost their daughter on United Airlines Flight 175 that hit the South Tower. Even through their anger and sadness, they have not allowed hatred and othering to cloud their efforts toward accountability for the attackers. 25 years later, they still walk the harder, but more life-giving path of choosing kindness while pursuing justice.

A final challenge:

Don’t trust people in power who leverage our fear and anger toward wholesale dehumanization of any community – especially for the wrongdoing of individuals within that community. It is not a way that leads to life; and it does damage to more than those who are the focus of our misplaced rage.

On this day of great sadness and remembrance, be honest about the pain and injustice, engage in mutual understanding in pursuit of peace, and exercise kindness toward all – especially the stranger.

Peace to you all.