A harrowing event in American history is commemorated today – on this day in 2001, four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out in the same morning, killing nearly 3,000 people. The physical, emotional, and mental effects of the attack are still prevalent today. 

Our hearts ache at the thought that humans could do something so hateful… but in an even more astounding way, our hearts are made whole by the humans who performed so many acts of love in response to 9/11. Today’s episode of The Apple Seed will highlight what that simple, ferocious love looks like as storyteller Regina Ress recalls for us her visit to a Costa Rican indigenous tribe soon after the events of 9/11. The tribe couldn’t imagine what happened the morning of 9/11, but still found their own authentic way to offer a hand of healing to the world.

We’ll also hear storyteller Bryan Bowers recall his discovery of the events of 9/11 in his telling of September in Alaska. During his visit with friends, Bryan’s world is serene until he witnesses a broadcast of the burning World Trade Center – as he recalls this moment, he ponders aloud for us what he himself can do to heal the hurt of that heartbreaking day. 

Today’s episode of The Apple Seed will highlight what that simple, ferocious love looks like in the following:

"The Healing Sticks" by Regina Ress, from New York and Me, We’re in a Longterm Relationship (11:59)

Storyteller Regina Ress recalls for us her visit to a Costa Rican indigenous tribe soon after the events of 9/11. In this story, Regina describes how this Costa Rican tribe, despite being unable to imagine what happened the morning of 9/11, still found an authentic way to offer a hand of healing to the world during that tragic time.

"September in Alaska" by Bryan Bowers, from September in Alaska (14:04)

Storyteller Bryan Bowers was inhaling the serenity of his time on the waters of Alaska, where the sun shines 23 hours a day and the native Alaskans are courteous to nature, until a devastating news broadcast shook his world and got him thinking about what he could do to heal the world as Alaska healed him. We may often feel there is little we can do in times of world-wide tragedy, but the small and simple choices of goodness we are willing to make are what create the greatest miracles. There are things you can do to make the world you interact with better. Bryan reminds us that those are the things to focus on.

"This, Too, Shall Pass" by Syd Lieberman, from LiebermanLive (3:56)

Jewish storyteller Syd Lieberman, when pondering the events of 9/11, carefully selected the story he hoped to share in light of it. The biblical King Solomon has a number of ministers, the proudest of which being Benaiah. Solomon does appreciate Benaiah, but seeks to put an end to Benaiah’s prideful bragging – to do so, Solomon sends Benaiah on what he thinks in an impossible mission. However, Solomon himself is humbled when Benaiah returns, task accomplished.

"Broken Glass" by Lani Peterson, from Stories Within (8:05)

In this profound story from the album Stories Within, Lani Peterson tells of an admired art teacher and the trial he let turn him into the remarkable man Lani remembers him to be. When we feel broken, may we cling to the reminder that broken things can be put back together in beautiful ways, as illustrated in Lani Peterson’s telling of Broken Glass.

"Find a Way to Love" by Mustard’s Retreat, from Living in the Dream, released in 2011 by Record Label Red House Records (3:35)

Folkband Mustard’s Retreat captures the call to keep being that emblem of hope as they sing this song for us. As you listen, we invite you to ponder how you can find a way to love a little more in your own world.