Disaster Did What Discussion Could Not
Lessons in Leadership on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
September 2026
*Guest Writer Alana Walker Carpenter
Hello Friends,
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 a day which will be marked by commemorative ceremonies, special events, and national service initiatives.
It seems like only yesterday. For my generation it was our JFK moment. We know exactly where we were and who we were with. It seemed unbelievable. It still does.
For the twenty-four Canadian families whose loved ones perished it seems like anything but yesterday. This tragic event is a part of their everyday story where the rest of us only revisit the narrative on an annual basis– if at all.
Their pain and suffering have been immense. I know. I have journeyed with several of the Canadian families.
It’s not easy. It never is. Grief, whether physical or symbolic, is not easy. We need to be present in each other’s grief.
Today isn't just a day for these twenty-four Canadian families. It is a day for us too. We point fingers on those who inflict terror on others often without accepting any responsibility for the terror which we might inflict on others through our own actions or inactions. As leaders, we must take time to reflect on how we steward our power, the words we choose to speak or not speak, and the forgiveness that has yet to be granted. This matters in our leadership and it matters to others.
As I walk in and out of the towers in corporate Canada, I see the impact of our decisions. For those of us who share a faith in Jesus, we turn to scripture to help us navigate the complexities of leadership. There is nothing easy about leadership. One of the things I am reminded of time and time again is that leadership isn’t about being right; it is about doing the right thing. I confess this is difficult at times. Sometimes I just want to set the record straight regardless of the cost. Yet, I am reminded through scripture of my responsibility to be a peacemaker ("Blessed are the peacemakers..." — Matthew 5:9) and that truth will always prevail ("...and the truth will set you free."— John 8:32). Leadership, if not stewarded well, can lead to destruction. One of the greatest gifts we can give others in our leadership is our ability to be calm within the storm. This is being a difference maker.
Last evening, I had the opportunity to emcee the Canadian National Day of Service. Those who lost their loved ones in Canada desire to honour them through acts of service and inspire others to participate in this meaningful act. It is what has risen from the rubble. As I gathered with family members and friends of 9/11, I was reminded of the humanity that was sparked on that dark day–a humanity that exists within us all.
The beginning of something unexpected happened on 9/11. It was a day in which disaster did what discussion could not. Faith can reset our perspective when we and the world encounter disaster.
Can a day make a difference? It did.
Can you make a difference? You can.
*Written by Alana Walker Carpenter
Founder & CEO
Intriciti | Canadian Centre for the Integration of Faith & Business (CCIFB)