Testing Spirituality during Times of War

The world is constantly changing; growing and eroding, flourishing and deteriorating, peaceful and unsettled. This sense of impermanence can cause us to feel insecure and unstable unless we can find strength from a source of permanent power. After the terroist attacks in the U.S. on September 11th almost every nation sent messages of understanding, comfort and sympathy to the American people. But despite the empathy we receive from each other, we require reassurance on a more profound, spiritual level.

Just after those attacks, the CBS’ Early Show interviewed Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham. Here is how she responded when asked about putting spirituality to the test:

“I think it is almost easier to have faith because we have nothing else in some ways. I've watched as this nation has turned to prayer. We've seen prayer vigils. And in our city, we have prayer vigils. And so I think it is a time to turn to God.... Our nation has been hit and devastated by this day of terror and now I believe it is our choice as a nation as to whether we're going to implode and just disintegrate emotionally and spiritually or whether we'll make the choice to be stronger. I think right now, we have the opportunity to come through this spiritually stronger than we've been in the past because we turn to God.

I say God is also angry when he sees something like this. I would say also for several years now Americans in a sense have shaken their fist at God and said, God, we want you out of our schools, our government, our business. We want you out of our marketplace. And God, who is a gentleman, has just quietly backed out of our national and political life, our public life, removing his hand of blessing and protection. We need to turn to God first of all and say, God, we're sorry we have treated you this way and we invite you now to come into our national life. We put our trust in you. We have our trust in God on our coins, we need to practice it.

God is greater than sometimes we think of him and he can solve this, give us answer, give us wisdom, lead us through this in a way that makes us stronger as a nation but we have to turn to him."

Practice prayer or meditation
Prayer or meditation help people live longer and healthier. Studies show that people who pray for themselves and others tend to be happier, more peaceful and healthier than those who don't.

Practice tolerance and respect toward other cultures
Showing patience in the face of adversity is a form of worship - it demonstrates that you have faith in the wisdom of God's plan.

Lobby your politicians
Become active and play a role in making changes you would like to see happen. This reinforces your own values and belief system.

So, although we are still reeling from the impact of September 11th and wars are raging throughout the world, we can overcome our fear and derive long term strength from spirituality. If we can build this foundation in our homes, communities and countries, we, as a society, will be able to act with maturity and wisdom during times of peace and war.