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.
