This is in no wise an answer as to “WHY?” But there are some encouraging things coming out of this great tragedy. And I thought them worthy to be passed on.

When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they thought they got rid of an annoying dreamer. But Joseph saw it differently, and was the richer for it. He told them, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good [Genesis 50:20].”

But what possible good could come out of the Black Tuesday Tragedy? In no particular order, let me list some things to consider.

1 ~ Americans are uniting in a common, legitimate cause. 2 ~ Donations are increasing to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other such organizations. 3 ~ Volunteerism is expanding, something no person or law could bring about. 4 ~ Hollywood pulled some of their upcoming movies of obviously questionable values. 5 ~ Even China indicates their support for the U.S. 6 ~ A President genuinely weeps for the hurting. 7 ~ Hundreds of doctors and nurses rush to New York to aid in the disaster. 8 ~ Car washes and other benefits for firefighters abound. 9 ~ European leaders sing America’s National Anthem: The Stars Spangled Banner. 10 ~ Drivers are polite on the highways. 11 ~ Signs appear all over the place saying: “God Bless America,” “Pray!” and “United We Stand!” 12 ~ There are very few police sirens. 13 ~ The Senate supports the President, 100 to 0. 14 ~ Looting and vandalism are down. 15 ~ Congressional leaders break into spontaneous singing of “God Bless America.” 16 ~ There is an overwhelming “America First” attitude, which no legislation could have created. 17 ~ Foreigners, in Russia, in Europe, weep with us in our loss. 18 ~ Greenwood is heard again on the radio singing “God Bless the USA.” 19 ~ God is mentioned often in broadcasts, as well as in personal conversations. 20 ~ There is a renewed interest in America’s roots. 21 ~ The need for prayer is readily acknowledged. 22 ~ There is a rethinking of Moslem teachings. 23 ~ New appreciation for the Christian elevation of womanhood. A Moslem woman is the property of the husband, to be killed if she becomes a Christian. A Christian woman has the protection of her husband who is instructed to love her as Christ loves the church. 24 ~ Millions pray in thousands of churches. 25 ~ Americans are shaken out of a comfortable lethargy. 26 ~ Thousands sing together The Battle Hymn of the Republic, and Martin Luther’s A Mighty Fortress is Our God. 27 ~ While the enemy – whoever he is – attempts to tear us apart, he has served instead to drive us together. 28 ~ We are being reminded again of the depravity of man. Past generations saw it in Hitler and Stalin; on Black Tuesday we saw it clearly in the terrorists and those who harbor them.

These are some of the “good things” that come from the Black Tuesday Tragedy. The final good will come, of course, as President Bush, the Congress, and the Military fulfill their Biblical roles on our behalf — rendering punishment and justice upon the evil-doers!

Even as you weep for the anguish of those who suffer, feel free to add to the above list as much as you want — then pass it on.

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