REV. KATHRYN ADAMS Tragedy tears lives apart -- and brings them together

Sept. 11 has come and gone, and we will never be the same. Our spirits continue to grieve with those who lost loved ones in suicide attacks that forced us to study an area of the world we had previously referred to only as "The Middle East." Since that horrific tragedy, I have noticed changes in my life and in the lives of those around me -- changes in perspective and behavior.
I've noticed that we seem to be kinder and less demanding. There is a spirit of connectedness binding us together as Americans and as a people of faith. The frightening awareness of our temporary existence was unmasked on a sunny Tuesday morning, and the life we took for granted is no more. Every time we see the video replayed; listen to the widows or widowers and hear them speak about their lost loved one; see the smoldering heap of debris that remains a tomb to thousands killed; see memorials for the firemen, policemen and rescuers who died running in to help others; or see photos of families who perished in the back of a plane, we are reminded that we are not on this earth forever.
"Our time is limited!" the photos and interviews scream. "We cannot be assured of tomorrow!"
Refocusing: The shock of this tragic event has moved me to take a deep breath, slow down and reconsider all that surrounds me. I have taken time to concentrate on the presence of my family and friends; to stop to pet my cat and dog; to send that birthday card, make that phone call, and spend a few more minutes paying attention to people. When I walk up to the counter in a store I pause, knowing that the person waiting on me is a valuable child of God, and that either one of us could have been in the World Trade Center that horrible day. Perhaps we should call it a newfound reverence for life and respect for one another, and for our country.
I saw evidence of this change in perspective at two recent sporting events. At a National Hockey League exhibition game in Philadelphia, President Bush's live speech to the nation was broadcast during intermission. When it was turned off to resume the hockey game, fans demanded that it be put back on, which arena officials proceeded to do. The players sat patiently with fans as together they listened to President Bush address the fears of a confused and beleaguered nation. When the speech was over the hockey players shook hands, agreed to call the game a draw, and quietly left the ice arena.
Secondly, after clinching the American League West title, the Seattle Mariners did something that Edgar Martinez said he had never experienced in 13 seasons playing Major League Baseball. Instead of cheering, the Seattle players hugged one another after the game, then gathered at the mound and knelt for a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims.
Mark McLemore hoisted an American flag and led his teammates around the bases as others raised their arms and tipped their hats. It turned into a ceremony of compassion.
A new day: We have entered a new age, a new day and a new way of living with, looking at and engaging one another and the world. We have been reminded of just how precious and fragile life is. We enter this new realm together, as a human family, knit together by our faith in a God who we know loves us. A God who sent his Son our Savior Jesus Christ, to live and die for us that we may one day know life in all its fullness. It is this knowledge which sustains us and gives hope in this hour of overwhelming grief and pain.
We face what appears to be a disturbing future. The consequences of war instill fear in all of us. Although there is much that gives cause for unrest, we must be guided by our faith and know that God is with us and that we will never stand alone.
XThe Rev. Kathryn Adams is director of Protestant Campus Ministry at Youngstown State University.