I was talking to my best friend on the phone when the first plane hit the towers. We ended our conversation and the rest of my day was spent watching the television. I remember watching the first tower fall and quietly wondering to the person next to me, “How many people work in that tower?” No one had any idea how many lives would be taken that day.
Never forget. This phrase has always surrounded 9-11. Honestly, I don’t think I could forget that day even if I wanted to. Obviously, it didn’t have the jarring effect on my life like it did on those personally involved. That being said, almost every adult remembers where they were that day.
Never forget.
I don’t want to forget the bravery of the first responders. Those first responders need our nations support today to deal with PTSD and other service related injuries.
I don’t want to forget the grief of the victims families. They need our prayer today.
I don’t want to forget the courage of our armed service men and women who responded when our nation called on them.
Never forget.
I suppose it is natural on anniversaries to think about all the ways that your life has changed since September 11, 2001. Maybe a bit egocentric but also natural. 18 years is a long time to reflect on:
2 years later I would marry my wife.
5 years later we would start a new job in Decatur, IL.
6 years later we would close on our house.
10 years later we would adopt our son.
16 years later we would adopt our daughter.
In the darkness of a moment it is easy to be consumed by the darkness. The value of looking back is that you can begin to see some light. You can begin to see the ways in which God has been incredibly kind and good to you.
So, on this anniversary, never forget…
God is good.
God has a plan and purpose for your life.
God brings light to the darkness.
May our hope be in Him.
Encourage, Challenge, and Equip 