I will never forget

I can still remember where I was on this day eight years ago. I was working as a teller and I had gotten to work around 7:30 to open up the drive-thru. We usually had the radio going since the Muzak didn't play up in the drive-thru (thank goodness!). However, this day, on this particular radio station, it was very abnormal for us to hear lots of talking, especially in somber voices and about some plane crash in NYC. And it was especially strange to hear them play Amazing Grace and other God-themed music. As we continued to listen throughout the morning, we learned just how serious this was. When I went home for lunch, I found myself glued to the TV, even though the images were horrible to watch, I couldn't tear myself away. It was almost surreal, as if I was watching a war in a third world country or something.

I remember feeling personally affected, even though I had no connection to anyone that was directly affected and I was thousands of miles away. It was not just a plane crashing into a building, it was an attack on our country, our freedom and our values. I was very thankful to God that he had spared me from being close to the attacks and from danger, but I also couldn't stop thinking about the thousands of people who were affected and whose lives were forever changed.

This morning I was talking to the boys a little bit about what the significance of September 11th. They were very curious and asked lots of questions. At one point I think I might have gone too far in explaining it because Logan said he was scared a plane would crash into us. I just told him, though, that there were lots of soldiers right now fighting to protect us and that we are safe right now because of them. Brayden had just learned about the American flag yesterday in school and he said that he thought today probably it would be flying at half-mast. I told him yes, because it was a day to remember and to be respectful. Then he asked why we would want to remember today and what the bad guys did. I told him we didn't remember today because of what the bad guys did, but instead of what all the heroes did. The heroes were the people that helped people on that day and saved more people from dying.

I can also remember, in the aftermath of 9/11, what an openness to God there seemed to be. It seemed as though people were made aware of their need for someone greater than themselves and it wasn't unusual to hear praying in public places or Amazing Grace (or other religious songs) on a secular radio station. How sad it is that people have forgotten that part of this day already and have gone back to thinking they are in control and they have no need for God. While I in no way wish for another horrible attack on our country or a nationwide catastrophe such as happened that day, I do wish for another revival in our country. Not one that is superficial and goes away as the feelings fade, but that is real and that comes from the hearts of people who realize their need for a Savior.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and

pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14