A few weeks ago, my friend Sarah and I went to the 9/11 museum. It’s built underground, on the actual site of Towers 1 and 2. There was a hushed silence as we all remembered what it was like that awful day. When the world as we knew it changed.
There were pictures of people standing on the street near the towers and seeing the planes hit. Not knowing that it would get even more horrifying than that. There were audio recordings of people remembering where they were. What it was like to try and call home. Or get home. And knowing that many wouldn’t be going home.
One of the most moving artifacts was Ladder #3. A fire truck that was destroyed when the towers collapsed.
(c) Kathleen Thompson
Ladder #3 had a dozen brave fire fighters who headed straight at the North Tower when others were running from it. Who ran up the stairs to the 40th floor to save men and women trapped inside. And who died when the tower collapsed. And it landed on top of their truck.
The twisted metal of the truck reminded us of just how devastating the crash was. The scorch marks were from the blazing inferno as explosions erupted.
And into that chaos those men relentlessly headed toward the building. Went straight into the belly of the beast, so to speak. What makes someone do that?
Training, you might say. And training certainly helps people do what they need to do when under extreme stress. When their cognitive brain is overwhelmed, they can fall back on their training. They almost instinctively know what to do.
But what makes people even be willing to do that in the first place? After all, they’re taking risks with their own life. It’s scary. And I can’t imagine they feel no fear at all. Yet still they head straight in. Where others fear to go.
Perhaps it’s the belief that every human life is precious, and are willing to risk their own for the sake of another. Perhaps it’s the belief that we stand for freedom, and will protect our cause at the risk of their own lives. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that they believe in something bigger than themselves. A value or ideal that keeps them heading straight into the building. Into the trouble.
Sure, they take precautions. Sure, they have equipment to try and keep them safe. But they know there are no guarantees. And they do it anyway.
We can learn a lot from these men in Ladder #3. I hope we don’t have to be tested in such an extreme way as they were. But how often do we shy away from something because it makes us mildly uncomfortable? Like perhaps a difficult conversation that, if had, could clear the air and restore a damaged relationship. Opening our hearts and risking rejection? Choosing to trust even though we’ve been burned before? Standing up for freedom, even when it makes us less safe?
To do that takes commitment to a cause greater than our selves. And some training. So that when every cell in our body tells us to run to safety, we have the fortitude to run straight into the building.
The men of Ladder #3 made the ultimate sacrifice to try and rescue people who were trapped. Let’s not let ourselves get trapped by our own fear. False beliefs. Let’s instead be people committed to others. A great cause. And then train and practice for the times when we’re put to the test.
What’s it going to be? Run and hide? Or head straight for the building?
Have you ever had a situation when someone risked a lot to help you? Share your story in the comments.
