The Good Life... a weblog about life, technology, and the Opera web browser

How is it between us, Lord? -- How is it between us, Sara Gross

There must be an inherent messiness in being me. I can't get things in order this semester. My room is starting to look somewhat liveable. I miss meetings, turn in assignments late, etc. It's all really a shame and I'm sure it's perfectly avoidable. I'll pull through this sometime, it's just a pain while I'm in the midst of it. The grass is greener on the other side, right?

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...Our flag was still there. -- Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key

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Eww, cookie tongue! -- Helen

Wouldn't it be cool if the world was really a giant musical? -- John

Check out SharedVoice.org. If you agree, please sign it (via Blogger.com).

Friday Night at 7:00 p.m. step out your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism.

The message: WE STAND UNITED - WE WILL NOT TOLERATE TERRORISM.

Please spread the word.

Leonard Grossman's comments about Tuesday from a private email list:

This was not an attack on Jews or Christians or even merely Americans. It was far broader than that. It was an attack on humanity and perhaps on the concept of civilization, itself.

On the other hand, although the loss of life was far greater, and far more horrendous, it was also not Pearl Harbor. Our military capabilities were not decimated. It was not the assination of a president. Our government did not change hands, even within its party. Our world has changed in that we have lost a sense of security and invulnerability. But in the larger sense, this changes nothing.

No great principle was established, no victory won -- or battle lost.

This was not the result of policy or politics or world trade or alliances.

It was a momentary burst of evil and insanity, which always have the power to shock and cause pain, but which ultimately cannot win.

We will ultimately not prevail through retribution and punsihment, although that may be necessary.

We will prevail through our common humanity and common decency and vision. And that is as it has always been. Although sometimes it is hard to see.

The past year has been very hard for those who pursue dialogue. Some of the finest voices have become embittered and confused. But this event must give us all pause and cause to rededicate ourselves to the larger purpose.

Relief funds for yesterday's tragedy:

• Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at Amazon.com
• Relief Fund at PayPal

Fear struck through the heart of the United States yesterday as a coordinated terrorist attack struck New York City and Washington, DC. Three hijacked commercial airliners were used to strike two targets: the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked commercial airliner crashed in an unpopulated area outside of Pittsburgh. Both of the World Trade Center towers collapsed and part of the Pentagon collapsed. Television is plastered with news about the events, including eyewitness accounts and video of both planes hitting the World Trade Center towers from multiple angles. So far, no one has claimed responsibility.

In the wake of these tragedies, my school has pulled together into a tight community of support. Our InterVarsity Small Group held a prayer meeting last night, instead of our regular meeting. Later, I attended a prayer service in the school chapel followed by a prayer vigil in Friendship Circle, the center of our campus. I was strengthened by the support offered fellow students, faculty, and staff. I was also strengthened by the spirituality and willingness to show emotion and pain at the tragedy. Many students spoke up at the prayer vigil declaring Jesus Christ their Lord and encouraging others to seek salvation. Others shared passages to help us through these uncertain times. God is with us and He will not forsake us. Thanks be to God.