On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

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Monday, September 12, 2016

Remembering 911 and Heroes on Blue Monday

Like everyone else, I remember that day. I will not forget it. The events of that day are etched in my mind. The horrors of it all were so unreal as my co-workers and I watched the TV while trying to work, as did thousands across our nation.

Hearing about the firefighters especially caused me to tremble because my stepson had just finished rookie school and would in the next few days be officially entering the line of duty. Although we are far away from New York, it was scary to think that such an attack could happen anywhere and moreover, to think about the fact that the firefighters, police offices and others who entered those buildings were husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers of people like us.

It was impossible for me to concentrate on my work as I thought about my stepson and wondered, what if? What if the day were to come when he would enter a building and never return? What if? Would he be ready? He was a good boy and is a good man of integrity and honor. But did he know Jesus? That was weighing on my heart.

My heart was so heavy thinking about it that I picked up the phone and called him. I had to ask the question. And it gave him something to think about because he had been glued to the TV all that morning and I could only imagine the emotions that he was experiencing as he watched those brave firefighters in New York enter those buildings.

We invited him to come to church with us the following Saturday evening. At the close of the service, our pastor gave the invitation as always and, after the last song was sung, we raised our bowed heads and noticed our son was no longer sitting there. We looked everywhere for him thinking he had gone out to the car to wait for us. But no, he was nowhere to be found ...  my DH asked me, "do you think? ... Could he be?" Yes, he had gone back to the prayer room to pray with one of the prayer team and give his heart to the Lord. What a joyous day! What a wonderful relief!

After 911, our churches were filled with people trying to find answers, coming back to God. There were special prayer meetings, and it was so encouraging to see people coming together in unity, looking to God for answers and finding hope. Sad to say, as the years passed, the fervor died down and people fell back into the comfortable ways, forgetting what had driven them to their knees. But not everybody. Trying to keep this brief, my point is that many did not forget. And we must always remember that no matter how tragic the events, how hard to understand, how nothing so evil makes sense, we have a great God who works all things together for His purposes. God did not cause those events, but through them He could use them to awaken our nation and bring lost people back to Him. I praise Him that in our lives He was glorified in those events by our turning to Him, rather than turning our backs on Him and blaming Him. Our church continues to honor the people who gave their lives on that day and in all the other sacrifices made by our military, and those in authority, such as police officers, firefighters, first responders, all who put their lives on the line to protect us and come to our aid.


Replica of the Viet Nam Memorial
Boots memorial to those from Texas who
died in the Middle Eastern wars
Dog tags of those honored


Linking up today with Jeanne at Backyard Neighbor for Blue Monday and hoping someone will be encouraged by the above.

Our skies this weekend were magical blue. So beautiful to be outdoors watching the kids play soccer and enjoying a beautiful September day.


12 comments:

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

I want to thank your step son and your husband for their service. My nephew is a firefighter and we also have EMT's and Paramedics in the family too so I feel your anguish, thinking about the possibility of them going into something that everyone is running away from.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs,
Deb

Visits With Mary said...

A very sad day for our country. You will also always remember that during that time your stepson was saved. I guess that's your silver lining during the storm. God bless him and God Bless America.

Linda Kay said...

Great post for blue Monday.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Thank you for this tribute.

Terri D said...

What a lovely story for us about your stepson. Praise God!! A beautiful testimony. Great photos and that really is a blue, blue sky!!

Melanie said...

Such a sad day. So many said goodbye to family and friends not knowing they would not return. I rejoice with you that your step son accepted the Lord. Our churches were full after 9/11 but it didn't last. Some hearts were touched though and decisions made like your step son.

Susie said...

Nonnie, I loved this post . What better thing for your son than to give his life to our Lord. I can't imagine being at work during that time. We were on a lay off..so we did not have to go to work all tore up over what happened to our country. Blessings to all of you, xoxo, Susie

Susie said...

Oops Nonnie, I did not mean to sign off...without saying how I could understand the stress of people working while hearing this horror on the news and have to stay at work. xoxo, Susie

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord that your son gave his life to the Lord. A very powerful post.

Jeanne said...

Hello Nonnie, Thank you for your sweet comment on my post. Also, for faithfully joining Blue Monday.

Your story about 911 and how it affected everyone was so heartwarming in an emotional way. The loss of so many firemen and policemen was terrible. I understand how you would worry about your stepson. A wonderful story of turning to our Lord.
I know you and your family are so thankful.
Blessings to you all.
Hugs, Jeanne

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Thank you for sharing your story. It touched my heart.
So very sad yet our God is an Awesome God!

Karen said...

A beautiful testimony and tribute to our first responders.