9/11

Seven years ago, we were driving through the desert in Nevada, headed off to my first year of college and a quick trip through San Francisco on the way. When we turned the radio on, the first thing we heard was "A second plane has hit the South Tower." We didn't know if it was a joke, a preview for a movie, but we soon found out the gruesome reality of it all. I started shaking. We turned around and went home.

2,992 people died in the attacks, plane crashes and rescue efforts. It was an attack against America, but it was more an attack of ideals. The World Trade Center. The world traded there. The world did business there. That was what was attacked.


Thirty-five years ago, a number of jets were bombing the presidential palace in Santiago, Chile. They were part of a coup against Salvador Allende, the president of Chile elected three years prior. The coup led to the detention of 40 to 50,000 people, many of whom were tortured and then disappeared. The military regime of Augusto Pinochet that took the place of the government and ruled until 1988.

2,700 people, at least, were confirmed killed during Pinochet's rule. It was an attack against Chile, but it was more an attack of ideals. Salvador Allende was a socialist. The way he led and the policies he implemented brought opposition from some Chilean business owners and from the United States government. He proposed socialism, and that was what was attacked.


5,693 people dead. All killed on one date in history. Killed in a debate of ideals; an economic debate that took the form of planes and fire. Lord forgive us all.

If you have a dollar bill, or any form of money, look at it. Examine it. Weigh it, touch it, feel it. Now ask yourself, is this really worth anyone's life? Would I give my own life for this paper in my hands? Would I defend it, kill for it?

If have learned anything in the past year, it's this:
I am not a capitalist.
I am not a socialist.
I am not a communist.
I am not for democracy, republic, monarchy, dictatorship nor any form of human rule.
I am not a rightist, a leftist, a libertarian or a pacifist.
I am not a citizen of America, Venezuela, Israel, Rome or any country on this Earth.
I am only a citizen of Heaven, seeking the rule of God, and the Kingdom of His Son.

My heart and prayers go out to all those who have lost their loves today. I am so sorry. We won't forget.