For those that lived through the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001 it changed how business was conducted in the world. Our new dilemma has similarities in the way it is attacking our way of life. Crisis brings out the best and worst in people. This is what C.S. Lewis said about the subject: “On the other hand, surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly.  But the suddenness does not create the rats:  it only prevents them from hiding.”

We are flawed human beings. This could be the very moment needed in people’s lives to take an inventory, to determine that which has greatest value. Some things to ponder, this is not all inclusive, each person must make their own lists.

1. Fear will cause us to act irrational. Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the phrase “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” If you find yourself surrounded by calamity, you might be the source. Rise above the fray and use the gifts God has given you, they were given for such a moment as today.
2. This is not the time to embrace pity. I often tell people “We do not have to look for a long period of time to find someone in more dire circumstances than our own.” We will be receiving a check from the government soon, maybe part of that money can be used to help our community? If you need it for your family, of course do the right thing, but $50 can make the difference in someone’s existence in some cases. Turn your attention to others, I have found it will quickly remove self pity.
3. Show love and compassion to others during these trying times. We have no idea what someone has endured. It is very simple, just smile and have compassion for others.

One of my favorite books is Viktor Frankl’s : “Man’s Search for Meaning”. If you have not read his book, maybe this down time would be a perfect opportunity. I love the quote Russell Crowe uses in the movie Gladiator, he says “What we do in life, will echo in eternity.” This could be your 9-11 moment to make a difference. Where we see tragedy and despair, we should see opportunity. God’s love is not bottled with the message “Break in case of emergency” It should be used everyday of our lives. Is this your 9-11 moment?