The sights and the sounds,
The tears and the tragedy,
The disbelief and the sorrow.
(My Grandma and Grandpa’s front lawn- about 25 years ago- that was always covered in flags come July. My Grandpa, along with countless others, fought for our freedom many years ago, and was so very proud to be an American!)
Eleven years ago, I had been in my first teacher education class for the day. One of my friends had recounted something she had heard moments earlier on the radio while driving to the college. I’ll always remember the sick feeling in my stomach as we quietly packed up our books and crammed out the door. Solemnly we made our way up the stairs to the lounge which held one of the few TVs on campus. Confusion and devastation seemed to reign, and the only relief was seeing the face of my {now} husband, and melting into his warm embrace. We along with hundreds of students and teachers and faculty packed into that small room to watch the horrific events unfold on that giant screen TV. And there we sat and watched for what seemed like forever- shocked and devastated- along with the rest of the world. Hours later, with tears still burning our eyes, we made our way to the chapel and we prayed.
Yes, today, I remember!
And I pray, pray, pray for those who continue to deal with the excruciating loss and the heart-breaking destruction.
And I pray, pray, pray for those who have and for those who continue to sacrifice themselves for our freedom.
And I rest in the promise found in Psalm 34…
Each of us has a story.
We remember, just as if it were yesterday.
And it’s good to remember, for we can see how far God has brought us,
And, we can continue to pray for the broken.
Yet, let us also always remember that our God is greater!
“Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.” Deuteronomy 7:21
Do you remember?
Let’s share with our children both the memories of brokenness, and the stories of our great God’s deliverance.
Hi Jessica. I remember that day too. I was waiting for my second grade students to arrive when the news hit. All of the teachers were taking turns getting into the teachers’ lounge to watch on TV. My wedding was only two months away and I remember thinking how I didn’t want to fly for our honeymoon not knowing what kind of war we would be in. Thankfully my now husband agreed ;)
Theresa, I can only imagine having a class-full of children as you heard the news. What a mixture of emotions that time must have been for you.
I’m thankful for you, sweet friend!
Jessica
That day is burned into my memory, and many changes in my life took place as a direct result of September 11th. I was at work and watched as people jumped, as broadcasters were trying to piece things together, as the 2nd plane hit the towers and I watched those towers fall. I will never forget those moments of utter disbelief and the certainty that life as I knew it was about to change. What I am most proud of as a New Yorker was the way ordinary people linked arms, put aside differences and worked together. Lines for donating blood, clothing, shelter and food grew as people learned of where to go. It was a day that changed everything, and I hope we will never forget.
Thank you for sharing, Aurie. What an incredible work God did in the midst of tragedy!