'When I Fall, I Shall Rise Again'

National pride is on spectacular display in the building of Tower 1 near Ground Zero.

I've watched two shows on the Discovery Channel about how they are rebuilding around this sight. This reminds me, of course, of a scripture found in the Old Testament, (KJV) Micah 7:8 "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord [shall be] a light unto me." Meaning, that while we may have enemies — not only the ones that attacked us on 9/11, but there were also a lot of folks, so sad to say, celebrating, in and out of our country — we may have fallen, due to a national weakening of values in areas of family, commitment, spiritual to name a few — this may be true; sure seems to be at times — but it is so apparent that the American spirit is visibly linked to this great ol' scripture.

We may have fallen — perhaps we've lost our our youthful gate — but watching what they are doing in New York, seeing the beauty of what they are building, all I can say is, 'Wow.'

I was driving north on 13th Street from College Avenue. There is a huge, mammoth American flag flying over a storage company. As I drove past our largest Masque in the area, I was so proud to be a part of a country that doesn't discriminate against race or religion. Oh, we might not be perfect. We certainly have our challenges, but wow, what a country.

Freedom rises out of the dust and ashes. Out of the hurt and horror. We may have fallen. We may have been driven to our knees. But we will arise as I entered into last Labor Day weekend and thinking of our Americans working on that towering symbol of freedom, I am reminded how thankful I am to be an American.

God, continue to bless America.

Editor's Note: Pastor Steve Rogers of will be a part of the at in Hales Corners at 9 a.m. Sept. 11.