THE WORLD CHANGED TODAY

The world changed today it was captured on videotape to be played and replayed we cannot bear to look we cannot turn away. The world changed today in an endless pile of steel and glass and paper and plastic and wires and fabric and concrete and flesh. The world changed today smoke and ash are visible from space our skyline is forever altered but our flag is still there The world changed today cowardice and courage met the city’s finest lived up to their name character is measured in sacrifice and service never in suicide and murder. The world changed today evil did what it does and so did good will we ever feel as safe again as we felt before this day. The world changed today millions cried and prayed together hearts broke, heads spun, knees bent fists clenched then became hands again in prayer And Jesus wept. The world changed today but the Word remains the same the Word that creates the Word that saves God said "Let there be light" and there was light and God saw that it was good. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The world changed today the Word endures We know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord. We are convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The world changed today there is a sadness that will not soon be lifted an outrage not easily extinguished a resolve for justice tempered by profound respect for life a longing for peace a new birth of freedom an awakening of faith. The world changed today I am changed you are changed our children are changed forever for the better somehow The world changed today may God have mercy on us all. Poem: Copyright © 2001 by Andy Smith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. This poem may be reprinted for individual and congregational use with the appropriate copyright information and credit. Andy Smith DSUMCpastor@aol.com is the pastor of Dripping Springs United Methodist Church in Dripping Springs, TX