A Solemn Anniversary - And A Choice

A Solemn Anniversary – And A Choice

September 9th, 2009 by Nate

My first child was born very shortly after the attacks of 9/11.

I can remember sitting on my couch, watching the smoking towers burn, crumble and fall, live and in color, right in front of my eyes. I could see people jumping from the windows.

I was crying. Mourning the massive loss of life that day, and weeping for my little boy who was about to be born into a world where such tragedy occurs — a world of constant pain and struggle. I cried out to God on that day, and I promised that I would live my life for Him . . . and for others.

I am sorry to admit that I did not honor my promise immediately. I could list a hundred things that happened in my life that kept me from being true to my word, but it would be disingenuous of me to use them as excuses. The truth is that I was selfish, and I was lazy. I chose not to commit.

But I believe in forgiveness, and I believe in hope. I believe that late is better than never. I am starting now.

We can’t control what happens to us in this life, but we can control our response to it. So here’s mine. Forming this group is my response to the pain and loss we all felt that day. It’s the fulfillment of a promise I made eight years ago, and am only now mature enough to put into action.

It’s not a charity, and it’s not about trying to feel special. It’s about doing tangible things to help others and make a difference in their lives — to make this world a better place for my children. It’s a way to help me keep my mind on what is really important in this life.

Maybe you made a similar promise, and maybe you didn’t . . . it doesn’t really matter. But here’s what does matter: Right now you also have a choice. You can choose to read this message and then go on with your daily business, thinking no more of it. And that’s okay.

But you could also choose to respond to this message. Send it along to the important people in your life. Give them the option of making a positive change this day.

There are hundreds of people already in our group, from dozens of nations. No matter our race, creed, or color, we spend a little bit of time each week making a positive impact in the lives of those around us. We make a very real difference, and we’re proud of what we do. Please consider helping us change the world.

It starts with us.

Photo Credit: kevindooley

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Kat Cole

Nate, thank you for all you are doing with this project and community; it is certainly spreading joy and goodness. You're right; it's never too late...and there's always more we can do!

ladybuggin

This post puts into words the exact sentiments and feelings I have for this group and our mission. I am so honored to be a part of this group & to have an opportunity to change the world -- whether by a smile on a stranger's face, a flower planted in a garden, the love given to a family member, or words of encouragement I can provide to someone suffering -- it's all important, and it all matters.

Nate St. Pierre

@Kat and @Krista:

Thank you both for reading and for helping us make a difference each and every week. I checked the stats, and we're in so many countries now - this is turning into the real deal. I'm very excited. This is my excited face --> :)

Abeeliever

Awesome post! I believe in each person and each person's ability to make positive changes in our world! You've got the right idea... it is easy, all too easy to get caught up in our own little dramas of life and lose sight of the impact we can make on the world and each other. From small gestures of kindness such as smiles and opening a door for someone, to big things such as creating an entire Christmas celebration for a family in need...we all have the power to do something good!
Thanks for the important reminder.
God bless you!

Nate St. Pierre

You're right, Amy - and I absolutely love reading about all the things the team members post in the forum when they do the weekly missions. I learn something every time.

Teia Hassey

Nate, I am so honored to know such an inspiring guy like you. Because of your inspiration, so many lives are touched in positive ways where before they may have not been. It is purely priceless.

Cheers to you!

jennyblake

This is a beautiful post...and it is so inspiring to see what you have created with ItStartsWith.Us. I feel privileged to be following your journey - your dedication and commitment to impacting the world is contagious.

Nate St. Pierre

@Teia Love what you do and how you help every day.

@Jenny Thanks, Jenny - that means a lot. Good to see you're still hanging around, too. :)

Rosalina Peña

Hi Nate
What you do is absolutely beautiful, I really admire you and I am proud to call you my friend :)

Nate St. Pierre

Thanks, Rosa - I am proud to call you mine.

Nate St. Pierre

Scanning down this comment list, it looks like I have no male readers, which is certainly not the case. Where you at, guys?

Selena Keerbs Inouye

Hi Nate, I loved this post and wanted to spread the word about It Starts With Us and the A Team so I devoted my blog post today to you. I hope this helps get the word out! Go A Team! :-)

Selena Keerbs Inouye

I forgot to put a link to my blog. LOL! http://ohmyachesandpains.blogspot.com/2009/09/9...

Nate St. Pierre

Thank you for the kind words, Selena, and for linking to my post from your site . . . I really appreciate it.

kkerley

I meant to comment sooner but just forgot until this morning. I got your email with this content last week and forwarded it to a few other friends and hopefully they forwarded it on, too.

It's such a hard day and while it may not seem to have the same impact it did on 9/11/02, it's still a dark, dark day.

And I don't think you need to worry about taking too long to start fulfilling your promise. The important part is that you ARE and you're doing it in incredible ways. Keep up the great work man. I'm excited to hear how the things we discussed this morning turn out. :)

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