To Inspire:

No doubt all of us are remembering this day as the 25^th anniversary of 9/11 and the great tragedy our nation suffered that day.

Last evening I watched a 9/11 documentary that shared how those who lost loved ones that day have moved forward with their lives. Grief, heartache yes – but also hope and resolve that their loved ones be remembered for their heroism. And that they be emulated. I learned that some 160 children of firefighters that perished that day have themselves become firefighters, following in their fathers’ or mothers’ footsteps. It gave me pause to think what would motivate them to take on the same occupation that resulted in the death of their loved one.

The reason became clear – these adult children also wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves – to serve and help protect the rest of us. To be willing even to die in service to the rest of us, as their fathers and mothers had. They shared how proud they were of their loved one and that they could envision no greater life than a life spent doing the same thing their parents did – serving as first responders.

In the bible we read, “greater love hath no man – than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). I invite all of us to think deeply about that verse. Very few of us will be asked to lay down our life for others, as the heroes of 9/11 did 25 years ago. But all of us have countless opportunities each day to lay down our own preferences and desires in service to others and in that small way we imitate and honor those who lost their lives that day.

As we pray for those heroes and their families, let’s also pray for peace in this troubled world. Peace seems so elusive and yet, each of us can sow seeds of peace in our own lives. And the combined result can be powerful.

I join you in remembering. And together let’s all do our part to honor these heroic men and women in the way we live each day.

Have a good weekend.

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder