Darkness. Light.

By Greyson Gilbert

“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

I write this for both those of my brothers and sisters who have walked the path I have walked, and those who haven’t. Maybe it’s just me, but I want to voice what I feel on this day. Others know this day much more intimately than me, and I do not envy them. It’s not about me or my pain, but about us and our pain. It’s about remembering the pain of that day, but also remembering the pain of the years to follow, and the pain that is still present today because of that day. There is value in remembering pain.

A day in which the world as we know it was changed forever. I was an oblivious 1 year old at the time, so of its immediate effects I didn’t understand a thing about. But, as I would grow up, I would realize more and more that what happened on that day changed everything. Since that day, we have been in on ongoing War against terror. 2,996 lives were taken on that day, and since then, in related conflicts, there have been 6,251 deaths of U.S. troops, and over a million wounded.

The effects of the intensity of that day and the war that began on September 11^th, 2001, still live in the hearts of American servicemembers and civilians alike, even today. The evil actions that were undertaken 17 years ago sparked a revolution of terror-driven violence that still haunts. An average of 22 servicemen commit suicide every day, because of the decade and a half long ramifications of that fateful day.

We hear so much, “Remember.” But why would we want to remember such an evil?

My dad, along with thousands of other’s dads, brothers, husbands, sons, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, and uncles, was killed 5 years later in the war the followed. I was six years old. Wouldn’t it be nice to just forget about him? Spare me the pain of remembering daily what could have been? Wouldn’t it be nice to forget about evil in the world? And darkness? And pain? And hurt? And bad things?

Wouldn’t it be nice to just pretend like the world was good, and that bad things didn’t happen? To exist inside our own bubble of positivity?

Yet, we still say “Remember.” It’s easy to post a picture of an American Flag with the caption, “Always Remember.” It’s a good thing, a good reminder, no doubt.

But why? Why remember, really?

It would be nice if I could just forget about my dad and move on as if nothing ever happened, as if there was no pain to be dealt with.

 To bottle it up and force it into the depths of my memory. To keep myself busy with things that would distract me.

But that is just not the truth. So why do I remember his legacy daily, and dwell on what he stood for, and his sacrifice?

I remember because it is a reminder that this world is passing away. It is futile, and full of evil, and not satisfying. This is not our home. I remember because facing the pain that we deal with is the only avenue to growth. This pain is not to be a burden that we wear on our shoulders, but a stepping stone to reach new heights. 

Narrow is the path up the mountain of God, and steep and dangerous, and full of pain and hurt. But it is the only thing that satisfies. Wide is the path of ignorance, and easy is its journey. So why not just choose the easy path?

The good that I have been able to witness firsthand in my own life and the lives of those who my dad touched has far surpassed the pain. I remember him because it literally gives me courage. His legacy gives me strength to carry on. I will always remember him because he is an example of the Light that pierces even the darkest Darkness.

We also ought to remember what happened on September 11th, 2001, because it reminds us that Light shines greatest in Darkness. And that is what this world is. Darkness. But there is a Light that shines through the darkness, and the darkness cannot overpower such a magnificent Light.

Remembering the death of so many on that day and afterwards should give our lives purpose, and the bravery of the men and women who acted on that day and afterwards should fuel action towards that purpose. 

We remember the darkness in this world because it is a canvas for brilliant Light.

So, yes, remember. Remember the pains of this day however it affects you. Remember the pain of other hurts in your life. Remember the darkness that covered an entire nation. Remember those that gave their life in your stead. Remember that lives are still being affected, 17 years later. But don’t just remember the darkness for the sake of a post on social media or an empathetic grunt and head nod.

Remember the darkness because it is a reminder that no matter how dark the night, the Light is always brighter.