Yesterday you observed the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. That is good. And while it is important to remember that day and to remember the lives lost because of the attacks, it is just as important—perhaps more important—to remember the heroic acts of dutiful service that saved lives that day, and to honor the people who performed them.
When Flight 175 hit the World Trade Center’s South Tower, people on the 78th floor huddled together, frightened and confused. There was no escape as far as they could tell. Then, a man with a red bandana covering his nose and mouth suddenly appeared from the wreckage and smoke. He spoke in a calm voice and guided them to a stairway, leading them to safety. The man in the red bandana made three trips, saving as many people as he could, until the burning building collapsed.
Eventually the man was identified as 24-year-old Welles Crowther. He had carried a red handkerchief since he was a boy. Welles Crowther worked as an equities trader and was also a volunteer firefighter—and like many other heroes that day, he died saving others.
But what is it that compels someone to give their life for others? Where does that sense of duty and the courage to serve come from? You see, we love the story of Welles Crowther…but the real question for all of us is: How would I respond? Paul writes in Philippians that we should count others more significant than ourselves—but do we really? One thing is for certain: Welles Crowther did.
Have a wonderful day.
