September 11

     On September 11, 2001, our entire country was forever changed. Many lost their lives, as well as family members, friends, coworkers, etc. The mourning process lasted many years and is still going on to day, but thanks to the hard work of construction workers and planners, a new building has been erected in honor of September 11^th and the lives lost.

       Osama Bin Laden was the terrorist behind all the destruction and sadness that occurred on September 11. He formulated the plan to destroy the twin towers, and all of the other plane crashes. Despite his malicious intentions, I believe that the American people as a whole should forgive Osama Bin Laden because the more hatred we foster in our hearts, the less we are able to move on and rebuild what was lost. Although his actions should never be forgotten and he will always be remembered as a terrible man, I think that letting go of the stress that comes along with hatred helps the healing process. It is much easier for me to say to forgive him because although I am an American, I was not directly affected by the tragedy. I am sure that those whose families and friends died struggle every day to forgive and put Osama Bin Laden behind them.

      Several examples in the Bible can support the decision to forgive Osama Bin Laden. The Prodigal son is a story of forgiveness in which the son strays off the wrong path and betrays his father, but his father lets him back in. This story relates because although Osama Bin Laden was a terrorist, God may let him back in the Kingdom if he was truly sorry, which I do not believe he was. In Matthew 5:24, it says “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” This verse demonstrates that despite the tragedy, we should forgive Osama Bin Laden for his horrendous deeds, but not forget the repercussions they brought to our world, because he is a child of God even though he disobeyed him.