Pray for peace. Pray for the soldiers and for those who love them. Pray for the survivors. Pray for those who are wounded in body and spirit. Pray for the terrorists. Pray for the policymakers. Be like a beam of prayer that starts narrow, like a laser, and spreads out to encompass the universe. Pray now.
A Song from the Soul
A New York City firefighter at the remains of the South Tower 9-11-2001
During the summer of 2001, I wrote a lot of songs. I was recovering from a bad case of something or other, and I had the time and the inclination to compose hymns and gospel songs and anthems.
On August 28, for no particular reason, I sat down in a sunny spot on the sofa in the den and wrote “For the Brave” (the music, if you are interested, can be previewed here).
The words and music came to me, of a piece. I didn’t give it too much thought at the time. It didn’t occur to me, then, that it was very unlike the other songs I had been writing, or that it took only half an hour instead of the usual three or four hours. I just wrote it and put it in my notebook and went to wash dishes.
I didn’t know, then. Two weeks later, on 9-11-2001, I understood.
♦
For the brave—
Those who remain
Bold and stouthearted
At the door of the grave;
For the strong
Who see beyond
The darkest night
To the dawn.
Some gave their lives
For friends and strangers —
For love and honor,
Not gain or glory;
And the wounded heroes
Fear death no more:
They have seen the empty tomb
Behind the door.
There are battlefields
No one will ever see
Where no shots are fired,
No swords are drawn.
Only the strong of heart
Can set the captive spirits free
To live on…
Praising God…
For the brave—
Those who remain
Bold and stouthearted
At the door of the grave;
For the strong
Who see beyond
The darkest night
To the dawn.
September 11, 2001
Learn to Meditate
50 Guided Meditations
Request Prayer and Pray for Others
Buy and Send Random Cards of Kindness
“For the Brave,” words and music by Mary Campbell, © 2001 Mary Campbell and Zero Gravity, all rights reserved
Sister Alma Rose Has the Last Word 