Much of the sadness of September 11, 2001, will be revisited on this two-year anniversary of that life-changing event. That tragic morning, Americans became one with the rest of our planet's inhabitants, something we had not experienced since December 7, 1941. We were one with a suffering, grieving, terrified world. Our illusion of American life being safe and secure crashed in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. America joined the uncertainty of life suffered by many peoples around the globe since World War II. Emotionally, we connected with shock, sorrow, anger, despair, panic, and the behemoth of life's uncertainty-fear. Fear invaded even the strongholds of the complacent and protected. Fear overcame the media, creating anxiety as reporters speculated where terrorism would next strike.

Franklin Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." I believe our Masonic traditions shed light on how to live with fear and have the courage to take risks. In the days following 9/11, Freemasonry mobilized to attack our new enemy in the methods we know best. Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth came to the forefront. We sent money. We prayed. We honored our servicemen, firefighters, and police officers. A new and greater respect for law and order grew out of an act of terrorism.

Most importantly, we continued to go on with our lives, to fulfill our obligations, and to meet in an effort to achieve good. Some of us met with an "I'll show you" determination that our American way of life could not be interrupted by the violent actions of a few hate-filled men. For me, Masonry became a haven, a refuge, a place where the goodness of men continued to overcome evil and radiate Brotherly Love.

In our Great Light we can read the words of the Psalmist: "The Lord is my shepherd," and "I will fear no evil." Since 9/11, the shock of our frailty has made things become more precious in my life. Gratitude for each day and each moment overwhelms me. The most powerful feeling I have on this second anniversary of the World Trade Center attack is a deep appreciation of being able to associate with men of like thinking, men trying to be better. We Masons are a counterbalance to evil on the scales of justice, and we must ever remain so! From the tragedy of 9/11, I have learned that hope is born of a view that evil is very much a part of humanity, but not in control. Hope has overcome fear, and I take comfort from the words of an old hymn: "This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Pentagon photo by Master Sgt. Ken Hammond, U.S. Air Force

Joseph F. "Doby" Edwards writes under the pseudonym "Doby" and is the Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Arizona. Past Master and Secretary of San Pedro Lodge No. 55 in Benson, Arizona, Bro. Edwards is the Grand Sentinel of The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Arizona; Eminent Commander of Burning Taper Commandery No. 15 in Sierra Vista, Arizona; Past Master of Southern Arizona Research Lodge No. 2, Tucson, Arizona; Past High Priest of Coronado Chapter No. 20 Royal Arch Masons; Past Illustrious Master of Adnoriam Council No. 14, both in Sierra Vista, Arizona; Prelate of Tucson Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Tucson, Arizona.