The tenth anniversary of the terror attacks of 9-11-01 will be remembered in many different ways by many different people. It will be very telling to see if we have moved from vengeance to justice to peace – or not.
Why do we remember the hurt we have experienced so much more than the help and comfort we have received? Some of it has to do with the way adrenaline strongly connects memories and responses. Adrenaline seems to have a greater effect on the part of the brain we think of as more primitive (sometimes referred to as reptilian).
The higher calling is to get past the fear response and to work for peace.
I sincerely hope that is what is emphasized in churches and public ceremonies across America on 9-11-11.