A Defining Moment

After 11 Sept 01, many people referred to that day as the "defining moment" of my generation. My time and place in history is supposed to be forever linked to the tragic, national events of one day...?

Practically speaking, whether I want to or not, I will remember always where I was that morning when I heard about the airplanes and buildings (theology class), and the events that unfolded in the days (fear), weeks (hate) and years (war) following it. However, I would not say that particular event can define my generation. I was barely 18 years old, I had not been old enough to vote in the previous year's elections and had played no part in politics or world events up to that point. Any suggestion that that day and those events could describe who I was, am and will become exhibits a shallow understanding of all the factors that play into a generation's "definition."

But today... today I witnessed a defining moment, perhaps the defining moment of my generation. Today was the day that we stood up and swore to challenge the complacency that has drowned our nation for the past 7.5 years. We - along with our inter-generational friends - rejected this culture of fear and hatred that was bred from the events that were said to define us and our place and time in history. In drafting Barack Obama, and throwing off the constrictive hold of the past, we have redefined our generation, and our hopes for our country.

My whole body is filled with joy in our victory, love for those who are persistent in their peacemongering, enthusiasm for our cause ... and hope for what will come next.