Sunday, September 11, 2011

What's a Writer to Do with September 11?

It's September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the day that altered the life of every American. It’s no coincidence that this anniversary falls on a Sunday, a day our culture has typically set apart for rest and reflection. So what’s a writer to do with this anniversary?

Consider the thoughts and emotions of the day......
Sorrow
Anger
Bitterness
Regret
Perspective
Humility
Thanks
Awe
Hope
Joy

Give them material form.

Euology 
-Recount our nation’s virtues as well as the beautiful moments in its history.

Liturgy
-Include confession of sin, repentance, renewed trust.

Journal page
-Write what you remember from that Tuesday.
-Recount the years that have passed.
-Renew a confession of trust, a written statement of faith staked in the God of Scripture.
-Write a confession of another kind: of fear, of pride, of anger. Mull the ways these emotions harm relationships.

Letter
-Pour out your heart to God or to our nation or to those who mean us harm or to those whom you love.

Vow
-Craft a formal declaration of faith in the God of Scripture.

Psalm
-Consider imitating David’s 27, the choir director’s 66 or number 96.

Poem
-Search poetry forms to find one that reflects your thoughts and emotions.

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