I, perhaps like you, was saddened and shocked by the fact that Ambassador Chris Stephens and 3 other embassy staff members
died earlier today. Their deaths were directly caused by injuries resulting from a protest and
riot that occurred at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
We are 11 years and one day's time removed from the tragic events of
9-11-2001 .Yet, we still confront and react to the tragic and murderous realities of complicated and evil political, economic, theological, and sociological differences between peoples and nations in today's world. Evil is real and often the most admirable people in our society consequently die. A "
small and savage group" of protestors apparently attacked the consulate because of their anger due to an
Anti-Islamist movie and/or conceivably as a means for Al Qaeda to seek
further revenge against the United States.
Isn't it profound that Jesus calls his disciples to set aside their own (vengeful) aspirations for the sake of the Gospel? In addition, tradition holds that the Prophet Muhammad
taught his followers: "
Humility and Courtesy are acts of piety. Modesty and chastity repasts of faith. Verily those who are patient in adversity and forgive wrongs are the doers of excellence." (as written in the
Hadith)
What seems most tragic is that Ambassador Stephens was someone who "
loved Libya so much." He sought to assist the Libyan people as they struggled to achieve democracy and overcome the brutal oppression of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Secretary of State Clinton
said:
"He risked his life to stop a tyrant, then gave his life trying to help build a better Libya. The world needs more Chris Stevenses."
Those who lose their lives for the sake of the Gospel's commandment to Love
God and Love our Neighbors (even our enemies) indeed save the true purpose and meaning of their lives through their dedicated and often sacrificial acts of compassion. I do not know whether or not Ambassador Stevens and the other Americans who died in Benghazi were Christians. I cannot speak for his religious convictions or the state of his immortal soul. I nonetheless observe extremely admirable degrees of patriotism, heroic resolve, and yes, Christ-like willingness in his actions to place the needs and hopes of other people in front of his own. What might we as Christians here far away from Benghazi but quite close to the Gospel's heart and call learn from his actions and sacrifice as we move further away, yet more closely approach the truths of the horrific day that occurred 11 years and a day ago today.
neighborhood children! Thanks especially to 