I can relive that day and I’m sure most of you can too. We were living in North Idaho. Dave had just left for work when I turned on the television. The first tower had just been hit. As I was watching and getting ready to call Dave, a call came from our oldest daughter. Our son-in-law, a career Navy man, was being deployed to the waters off America’s west coast.
Our son, who is a fire fighter in California, had many friends who served the NYFD. Some lost their lives that day and others were injured.
Our family was tangibly involved in the events of that day, as were so many others.
The days that followed our nation displayed a unity that had been lacking. Most of us had only read of the attack at Pearl Harbor but this day, September 11, 2001, was our day that will live in infamy!
Our citizens were kinder, prayers were being said publicly and privately and we had a heightened sense of patriotism. We were one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!
There was a fire in our hearts and prayers on our lips. Flags were “sold out”. Much different than the trivial toilet paper shortage we experienced only months ago. Flags were flying everywhere – people were spontaneously singing “God Bless America” on the streets and in places of business.
Parents were explaining to their children the events of that day! Patriotism reigned. We weren’t Democrat or Republican, we weren’t racially divided, not liberal or conservative; we were Americans!
Our nation was called to prayer and no one was offended! We needed God’s guidance and comfort, we still do.
“I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
4 The ropes of death entangled me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:1-6 NLT
May we never forget the events of that day. May we never forget that we found hope in God!