JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 18, 2001 — The 51社区 family once again came together for a time of prayer and remembrance, Friday, Sept. 14 in the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel. In a moving prayer service led by Todd Brady, minister to the university, the standing-room-only crowd of students, faculty and staff gathered to pray for the nation and its leadership during this national crisis, volunteers helping with the recovery effort and the families of the numerous victims that were lost.
Focusing on the faithfulness of God, Union President David S. Dockery addressed the group from Lamentations 3:22-24. Dockery focused on questions that he had heard students raise throughout the week, such as 鈥淲hy is this world the way it is?鈥�, 鈥淚s God in control?鈥�, and 鈥淲hy did this happen?鈥�
Learning from the prophet Jeremiah, Dockery stressed that God is all loving, all powerful, and always faithful.
鈥淲hile God knew the events of September 11 before they happened, His omniscience does not mean He caused all things,鈥� asserted Dockery. 鈥淗e also warned against reading the events as apocalyptic signs or as a sign of God鈥檚 judgement.鈥�
Recognizing that evil and suffering is a mystery, Dockery urged the Union family to hope in God who brings good out of evil, and to trust in God鈥檚 steadfast love, His great faithfulness, and His gift of hope.
鈥淭his is a time for faith not fear and hope not despair, even if all of the questions can鈥檛 yet be answered,鈥� said Dockery.