What I Learned On September 11th

I learned something on that sad day on the 11th of September 15 years ago.

During that time of turmoil, fear, sadness, and terror, no matter where we live in this wide country, we were collectively and suddenly New Yorkers. Everybody was on one side...the emotion and caring for the people of this horrific scene was to a person the same.

It didn't matter if you were Republican or Democrat, from a skin shade of pure white to the darkest ebony, rich, poor or somewhere in between, no matter your religion, or any other issue that we choose to let separate us, we were all on the same boat that fateful day...all united as simply who we all really are...Americans.
What is it about disaster that can let us put aside our differences and work toward a common goal instead? How can we learn to put aside our differences, realizing that in their place we are all much more alike than we prefer to recognize?

Whether it is in relationships with our direct neighbors, or two different political parties, when can we focus more on what is best for the good of all....getting back on that ship together....with each person simply wearing the label of being an American?

I think that is who we are called to be...simply Americans, working toward a common goal of what is best for all of us.

This morning I am from Montgomery... an Alabaman, but a piece of my heart will always be in New York City, like every other person in this country who suddenly realized that they too felt the same way.

Here's the trick....how do we remember the lessons of that day, and not require a major disaster to bring us together?

Good morning fellow Americans.