No doubt, as American families gather around the holiday table this month there’ll be the polite, customary banter about turkey and the trimmings and expressions of thankfulness, be they sincere or superficial. It’s likely this year’s conversations will also include references to terrorism, even though the subject has been the dominant conversational topic for weeks. Turkey and terrorism! What a combination!
As I reflected on this, knowing my family has already made plans to enjoy the traditional meal together, I began to imagine how the conversation might proceed and what each person might say.
My wife Mary, a retired nurse, is likely to be thankful none of our family members have been physically hurt by terrorism, even though our son David, a Morgan Stanley staff member, participated in a staff seminar at the World Trade Center just days before disaster struck.
David will probably express gratitude that of the hundreds of Morgan Stanley employees who were in the south tower September 11, almost all made it out safely and are able to spend Thanksgiving Day with their families. He’ll probably ask that we pray for the families whose loved ones didn’t get out in time.
Other family members will raise the difficult questions of why these things happen, when they may happen again, and who will be targeted next, while trying to express some form of thankfulness at the same time.
What will I say? As I thought about this, I felt a momentary numbness. What does one voice say when an overwhelming cacophony of voices incessantly recites the fearful details of anthrax, smallpox, high alerts, airport security, religious hatred, and the bombing of civilians? In fact, I didn’t have any idea what I might say until yesterday morning when I read Psalm 112:7-8 (LB): “He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid.” In the midst of all the anxious and alarming voices, the “still, small voice” quietly assured me that God remains in control. As the old chorus says, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”
So, I’ll express gratitude for this assurance. I’ll be thankful the Holy Spirit is moving throughout the land leading others to the same assurance. I’ll be thankful for a president who, “counts on the grace of God” (see “Bush’s Defining Moment” http://ChristianityToday.com/ct/2001/014/1.38.html). I’ll rejoice that materialism, skepticism, and cynicism have been dealt a mighty blow. Now many American families will be reflecting on what is “settled in their minds” — matters such as biblical values, faith, and prayer. I’ll thank the Lord for doing once again what he’s been doing for ages — turning something that is so very bad into something of great redeeming value. I’ll be thankful for the good news! During Thanksgiving dinner this year, I urge you to do the same.
Paul Robbins is President & Publisher of Christianity Today International. To reply, write Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net.
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