Simple Wisdom in Difficult Times

We all have our ways of dealing with the terrible tragedy that befell
America on September 11,2001. As an author and motivational speaker, I felt
compelled to say something to try to help others through this time. During
the days of processing my own grief, I found myself going back to an old and
trusted friend, the Serenity Prayer. While the authorship of this simple,
yet powerful prayer is unknown, it is copyrighted in the name of theologian
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), who gave it to Bill Wilson, co-founder of
Alcoholics Anonymous and it is used to this day to help people in recovery.
I found it of great comfort to me personally during this difficult time.
Below is the prayer and some thoughts as to how we might use its wisdom to
help us in our national healing.

God Grant Me the Serenity To

Accept the things I cannot change
America was attacked by terrorists and it is devastating. Too many people
have been killed or injured, properties have been destroyed, businesses
damaged - perhaps beyond repair. Families have been torn apart, children
left without a father or mother, husbands and wives missing a spouse,
parents missing children. This is a terrible tragedy, the likes of which we
have never seen in the United States before.

Courage to change the things I can
What we can change is how we react to this. We can join the masses calling
for retaliation and strike out at whatever enemy, real or imagined, that is
nearby, much like a mad dog would, or we can be courageous enough to stand
tall as beacons of light holding, in our hearts, thoughts of peace and
healing.

Do not think for a moment that I am taking any of this lightly. I am as
outraged as you, however, I feel we can serve the cause for good more
effectively by helping to heal both ourselves, our loved ones and the world
we live in. We have all been affected by this tragedy. There is no doubt
about that.

As a native New Yorker, I am especially hurt and outraged at what has taken
place. I have slept, feeling safe and secure, in the Marriott Hotel that is
no more. I have browsed and shopped, joyously, in the Border