Today marks the 11th Anniversary of the most horrendous attack on the United States. The day the world stood still because they couldn't believe someone would/could attack our nation. I remember it very well, I was in 10th grade and was walking between band and lunch (it was a little after 10 o'clock) and someone ran down the hallway screaming "WE'RE GOING TO WAR!!!". I didn't think much of it until I got to lunch and one of my friends told us that someone had bombed the World Trade Towers in NYC. Later I learned that it was two planes that crashed into the World Trade Towers and an additional plane had crashed into the Pentagon. Because of our proximity to D.C. and because we live in a very populous Navy town (they were afraid of another possible attack) we got sent home from school a few hours early and were even out of school for an additional 2 days. I remember leaving school and getting off the bus and my dad was waiting for my sister and I. He took us back to work with him because he knew we'd be a bit freaked out. I remember watching the news and seeing the videos of that morning's events replayed over and over again. I remember the devastation that encompassed our nation. I also remember the overwhelming sense of unity and compassion that encompassed our nation.
My friend Courtney posted this today and I want to share it with you all as well.
Have you ever thought, "Where was God on 9/11 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked?" Well, I know where my God was on the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy!
He was discouraging people from taking those four flights. Together they could accommodate more than 1,000 passengers, yet there were only 266 aboard. He was on those four flights giving the terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the people who was called by a loved one on one of the hijacked planes mentioned that passengers were panicked, nor was there any screaming in the background. And on one of the flights, God gave strength to the passengers to overcome the hijackers.
God was also busy creating obstacles to prevent people who worked in the WTC from getting to work on time. The work day had begun, more than 50,000 people worked in the two towers, yet only 20,000 were at their desks. On that beautiful morning, God created scores of unexpected traffic delays, subway delays, and commuter train delays. A PATH train packed with commuters was stopped at a signal just short of the WTC and was able to return to Jersey City. And far more meetings were scheduled elsewhere than was usual.
God held up each of the two mighty towers for a half hour so that the people on the lower floors could get out. And when He finally let go, He caused the towers to fall inward rather than to topple over, which would have killed so many more people. The foundations of six surrounding buildings were demolished by the fall of the towers, but God held them up for many hours until all the occupants were safely evacuated.
And when the WTC and Pentagon buildings went down, my God picked up almost 3,500 of His children and carried them to their home for all eternity. He also sat down and cried that 19 of His children could have so much hate in their hearts, that they did not choose him, but another god that doesn't exist, and now they are lost forever.
He sent people trained in dealing with earthly disasters to save those that were injured. And he sent in thousands of others to help in any way they were needed. And He brought people together across the world in a way that moved thousands to tears and hundreds of thousands to prayer—and caused millions to turn to the one true living God.
He still isn't finished. Every day He comforts those who lost loved ones. He is encouraging others to reach out to those who don't know Him or believe in Him. He is giving the leaders of our great nation the strength and conviction to do the right thing, to follow His will, not a popular poll.
So if anyone ever asks, "Where was your God on 9/11?" you can say, "He was everywhere! And, in fact, he is everywhere today and every day." Without a doubt, this was the worst catastrophe most of us have ever seen. I can't imagine getting through such a difficult time without God at my side. Without God, life would be hopeless.
What an amazing perspective that story gives. I will always remember that even during the most tragic day I have experienced in my life thus far, God WAS there. He is here now and He always will be here. Amen.
Cindy
