9/11- a gift of faith

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9/11, faith, life, mychal judge, world trade center

cred- Ed Betz AP

“I wonder what my last hour will be. Will it be trying to help someone, trying to save a life?” — Father Mychal Judge

Mychal Judge died as he lived, serving others. He answered the bell on September 11, 2001, and joined his flock at the World Trade Center. He’s recorded as the first fatality at the site. Firefighter lore says that Father Mychal died first so he could greet his lads and lasses on the other side.

9/11 is the day that set me back on the path to the Catholic Church. Something about seeing Father Mychal, carried out of the rubble jarred something deep in my heart. It started me on a path that I continue on today. I struggle to reconcile faith with the institutional Church. It’s a journey and one I undertake gladly, even when it frustrates me. Father Mychal is one of the spirits who guides me. One of his favorite prayers graces my wrist.

“Lord, take me where you want me to go, let me meet who you want me to meet, tell me what you want me to say, and keep me out of your way.”

Words to live by. Today I give thanks for those who run towards danger and not away. I give thanks to those who reach out to others in pain. I give thanks for the good people in the world.

Never forget.

 

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A different Ground Zero

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9/11, germany, italy, Reformation, Switzerland, terrorism, travel

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the US. In an interesting bit of kismet, today landed your intrepid traveler in Basel, Switzerland. Basel was one of the sights of major fighting during the Protestant Reformation . In essence, it was ground zero for a major shift in the way Western Europe practiced religion.

Going through old churches here is sobering. As part of the break with the Catholic Church, old churches and cathedrals were literally gutted. All the painting on the inside of these buildings was whitewashed over. One old church is now the site of a museum. Another is still in use by the Anglicans. There has been some minor restoration of the historical paintings which were covered. Not much, but enough to see the scope of the damage.

You can also see where folks hacked off pieces of statues to eliminate faces.

In place of the statues and paintings of the Catholics, you got plain text quotes.

It’s a significant difference when you compare this church to its equivalent in Italy.

I’m reminded that those who don’t learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.

Texas is burning- part 2

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9/11, austin, austin humane society, austin pets alive, bastrop, bastrop fire, central texas, charity, clara k.showalter, clara showalter, day of service, FEMA, finding lost animals, lost pet in bastrop fire, september 2011 fires, texas is burning

It’s been a heck of a week in Central Texas. As of today, over 1,400 homes have been destroyed with 34,000 acres involved. Through the tireless efforts of firefighters in the region, the blaze is at 40% containment.

With Texas under multiple fire warnings, you’d think that people are being careful. Yet daily you can watch careless smokers flicking ash out the window or tossing cigarette butts. The fire danger remains frighteningly high. Don’t just use common sense- demand that others act in a safe and responsible manner this weekend.

This weekend is a great time to step up and help others. 9/11 is used by many as a Day of Service. Volunteering is a great way to honor the service of the police and fire rescue personnel who died on September 11. This weekend, take time to reach out and help your neighbor.

American Red Cross- Central Texas is taking donations

Capital Area Food Bank is taking non-perishable food items

Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management. Phone # to register for FEMA assistance is 1-800-621-3362(FEMA).

Many companion animals have been displaced. Austin Pets Alive, Austin Humane Society, Town Lake Animal Center, and Bastrop Animal Control are all on the ground in Bastrop helping find missing animals. Animals are being sheltered at Austin Humane Society and Bastrop Animal Shelter.

Austin Pets Alive volunteer transfers puppies from Lockhart shelter

Austin Humane Society also has lists of animals who’ve been brought in. If you are missing your pet, start checking here. (Updated images)

 Bastrop Animal Shelter, 589 Cool Water Drive, 512-549-5160 (Updated images)

As of today, no animals from the fires are being adopted out. Every effort is being made to reunite displaced animals with their humans. Animals being offered for adoption are only animals who were all ready in the custody of animal control.

If you are missing a furry family member- DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! Pets are amazing survivors. Even animals who were locked in houses that burned have found ways out. Keep looking!

Austin Pets Alive is taking in non-Bastrop animals from other shelters in Central Texas. This is being done to alleviate crowding in those shelters. Both Austin Pets Alive and Austin Humane Society are providing medical care to injured and ill animals right now. Donations of medical supplies are greatly appreciated. Additionally, there are MANY animals needing new homes! Check with local animal rescue groups this weekend and adopt a new family member!

Here’s hoping for a safe weekend in Central Texas!