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The Mourning After 9-11 Wake of Terror
Professor David J. Demko, PhD
AgeVenture News Service
The CBS broadcast of "9-11: Six Months After" helped a mourning nation heal. Prior to the broadcast, many of us were not sure whether we should, or could, tune-in the televised recount of that unimaginable horror. It was too soon. Or, was it? Would there ever be a time when we felt ready to confront the reality of all that devastation? Afterall, the passing of time would not change the facts of that day?

We resolved to at least test the water, and see what the broadcast offered. As we witnessed the extraordinary self-sacrifice of New York's firefighters, we couldn't help but continue watching. Life and death. Death and life. What does it all mean when you can no longer take it for granted? Would this catastrophe break the American spirit, or forge us into an even greater strength of purpose?

Overcoming Fear of DeathAuthor, Johann Christoph Arnold addresses these troubling questions. He writes about how ordinary citizens can disarm the terrorists by conquering the enemy within. His new book, "Be Not Afraid: Overcoming the Fear of Death" tells stories of ordinary people's final days that will help overcome the fear of death and the pain of grief.

This new book proves extremely relevant for our times. In the wake of September 11, and faced with a protracted war, Americans are being reminded daily of their mortality. "Though death is the last thing most of us have on our minds on a normal day", writes Arnold, "there are times when circumstances force it to the forefront of our thoughts."

A seasoned pastoral counselor who has worked in the New York area for three decades, Arnold says we are just beginning to deal with the effects of September 11, and that our own fear of death is our greatest enemy. There are signs everywhere. Many more also become emotionally crippled by fear of acts of terror, accidents, illness and dying. Much like the British World War II survivor who recounts the nightly devastation of Nazi bombing runs. "...the world is merely a bridge between earthly and eternal life." Later in the book, Arnold examines the search for hope despite the inevitability of death. God does not abandon us. "Sometimes I have to trust that I'm in His hands, even when I don't feel it."

"Be Not Afraid" tells stories of ordinary men, women and children whom Arnold has accompanied to death's door. He shows how many of them found the strength to master their natural fear of death by living purposefully. The book opens with the story of Father Mychal Judge, the first recorded victim at the World Trade Center, who had worked together with Arnold to promote conflict resolution in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.

Johann Christoph Arnold has counseled the terminally ill, grieving families, victims of crime, and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress for over 30 years. He is a popular commentator and author of ten books including Seeking Peace, Why Forgive?, Endangered, and Escape Routes. He has been a guest on talk shows, and a speaker at numerous schools and conferences.

Yes, the author has an impressive resume. But you will know him best by his writing. Those words will surely help you grow in comfort and compassion. "Be Not Afraid" (2002) by Johann Christoph Arnold is offered by Plough Publishing, Farmington, Pennsylvania, $12.
 Also find related publications at: www.bruderhof.com
Photo Credit: Plough Publishing House, Farmington, PA
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Positive Thinking Prevents Premature Death
On Our Own Terms: Death and Dying
Barbara Olive, "Time to Say Goodbye"
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