On this 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 the word that keeps coming back to me is “arise.”

I’m surprised that this is the word that that hits home. But after watching too may YouTube tributes, and too many commemorative specials on TV, and shedding too many tears for lives lost, familes shattered, and dreams unrealized, it is the word that comes.

Arise.

Arise from the ashes. Arise from the pain. Arise from the depths of despair and hate and insecurity.

Arise. Get up. Move forward.

There is strength in that. For some it is a strength that is gut-churning, soul-wrenching, teeth-gritting hard. For others it is softer – a letting go, a whispered kiss to the wind, a prayer, a sigh.

Arise.

Young children who lost a parent — your future awaits you and the legacy you have of the courage of the lost is your call to move forward into the future and make it a better place.

Arise.

Widows and widowers – Live. Don’t let pain hold you prisoner another minute. Grasp Life’s hand. Look forward. Honor your loved one in a future filled with promise.

Arise.

Parents – fulfill the dreams you had for your children. Honor their sacrifice by honoring their lives. Forgive. Live your lives. Love.

In any tragedy or difficulty we can spend far too much time and energy looking back and holding on to hurt and anger and grief. We can let the season of mourning become a life-long legacy, a pit of despair which feels comfortable because it’s all we let ourselves know.

Arise.

Honor the past and know that the future holds promise. But we have to look forward to reach it.