INSPIRASUNS

As I board a plane to head home today I’m somber. Twenty-one years ago today, thousands of Americans just like me did the same thing. They boarded a plane on business, headed home from a trip, or were excited to be heading on vacation with family. They were just like you and me that fateful September morning.

By noon on September 11, 2001, there were thousands of lives lost. Attacked on our own soil. I remember, like most Americans, where I was when I heard the news about the first plane. I remember going to church that night on the way home from attempting to work. I remember sitting glued to the TV looking for any hope of survivors. I remember trying to explain to our youngest daughter what had happened.

Over the next few days as our nation was grieving immensely, I began to notice something. All of congress stood on the capitol steps united and sang God Bless America. People went to blood banks to donate in hopes of helping any injured, or those surviving the horrific attack. LONG lines formed at local Red Cross locations to donate something to help grieving families. I remember making cookies in the days after and taking them to my local fire department to try and ease the pain they felt for their lost brothers and sisters hundreds of miles away. One week after 9/11 I was driving to one of our facilities in a Chicago suburb. Normally an awful drive because of the traffic, but this time was different. People were more patient, they let the car in front of them merge without blaring their horns. I remember being in the grocery store and everyone talking and helping each other. It was AMERICA at its best when it was reeling with pain.

This land we call home is built on the foundation of love, caring, grit and determination. We are one of the most caring nations and people on this earth. Over 3000 people died 21 years ago, simply because they chose to go to work, travel with their family, or visit loved ones. We have persevered, we have overcome, and we will always do so.

Many have asked where God was that day. I saw Father in many, many places on 9/11/2001. What if those towers had fallen over sideways instead of imploding straight down? What if those planes had flown into the towers say at 10:00am instead of 8:30am, giving more people time to get to work? Why did the little Episcopal Church just down from the towers survive with just a few broken windows, and later become a central hub for firefighters and rescuers to sleep and get a hot meal? Yes, Father was there in a big way.

As you go through this Sunday, I simply ask that you take time to remember this solemn day. A day when our nation was attacked. But also remember a time when this nation came together to lift each other and support each other. We were one. We were united. We were Americans, and we can be this way again.

This country was built on faith in our Lord. What else do we need? God is always here, and he is always with us. Time for us to get back to the way we were those many years ago. We are Americans, it’s time for us to show it!

God bless the surviving families of the 9/11 victims. We stand with you on this day and every day. Thank you for the selfless acts of so many that day. Your loved ones will never be forgotten.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.