September 11, 2001

September 11th. The day started out normal, but what happened in the next few hours would change the course of history.
I was only 3 when this happened. My younger sister, Faith, who had been born 3 1/2 months early on March 15th had finally been able to come home from the hospital.
In the corner of my memory, if I look hard enough, a picture comes into focus.  That picture was 14 years ago when I wandered out to the living room to see my dad, mom and grandma and grandpa (who had been visiting us)  on their knees in front of the TV. I remember not knowing what was happening, not knowing why they were all praying and not understanding why everyone was so sad.
When I was older, my dad explained it to me. Now, when ever that picture comes to mind, I understand.
That day was the day terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and used them as weapons for an unimaginable act of destruction and terror.
On that day, over 3,000 people were killed. No longer was this just an attack overseas, this attack on America happened within our own boarders.
In my research I've come across many stories of bravery by people from every aspect of life. Firefighters, police officers, businessman, chaplains, and many others all stepped up and helped wherever there was need, but one story stands out among all the others.
It was of a man who, sitting at his desk, called his wife on the phone soon after the towers were hit and told her he loved her. He told her that no matter what happened, he would see her again. You see, this man was a christian and he knew that he would soon be seeing his Savior.
While the people were panicking and there was a general chaos everywhere, he calmly walked from person to person asking one simple question, "Friend, do you know Jesus?"
Until eternity we will never the impact this man had, but if only one person was saved, it was a difference that will be felt for eternity.
Note: I came across this story while sorting through a stack of old christian magazines that were released after 9/11. I searched the internet for the story, but I can't seem to find it.
Even this horrible tragedy, God used for good.
I wrote this small poem as a tribute to those who lost a loved one on 9/11/01.

I stand frozen, motionless as I stare up at the planes

I want to move, but I feel bound by chains

They continue on their deadly course,

No human on earth could stop their force.

As they hit the glass, smoke fills the air,

the billowing clouds block the sun with a sickening glare.

I feel a tear spill from my eye, and run down my cheek, 

then over the noise, I hear someone speak.

I haven't abandoned you, I love you my child,

this is part of my perfect plan for you and him.

Then, through my tears, I simply smiled

I knew that voice, though it was dim, 

It came from one who never did sin.

I squared my shoulders, knowing He was in control;

I know Jesus has my husbands's soul.

For you see, my husband was in that building,

but now he's with our Savior and free from all pain.

Another tear blinds my vision as I see the building tilt

I think of him and the life we'd built,

I loved him dearly, and my heart breaks,

The thought of life without him makes me ache.

I'll see him again when God calls me home, 

but life without Kenneth seems very alone.

On that day and in the cleanup that followed, we were Americans. Not democrats or republicans. And on that day, Americans were not afraid nor ashamed to call upon God. It's sad that it takes something so horrible for us to turn back to God. 

America needs revival, and I pray that it wouldn't take another disaster to bring us to our knees. We live in a hurting world, and what the world needs is Jesus. I pray that, as christian, we would shine for Him, a shining light in a dark world. 

I hope y'all have an amazing day today!