My Thoughts On 9/11

As with most of us Americans it was a day like none other.  A day when all of us stood in disbelief at what was happening to us.  Americans stood together as one in heart felt sorrow and shock.  So much emotion took place in just one day with evil that was directing its hatred and love and kindness of others running to help.   How could any of us even imagine something like this would happen to us and our America?  We all have seen the atrocities of such evils in the world and how others suffer attacks, but that only happens in other country's, right?

I remember this day very well thou hard to believe now 18 years have gone by.  I got up as usual, got my cup of coffee and turned on Good Morning America.  My husband Jim a consultant at the time  was traveling and at the airport waiting to head home.  Our three boys and all in the service were in different areas so I was home alone.  As I was watching it was so surreal.  The first tower had already been hit and as people were running - scrambling for cover I sat there numb watching an approaching plane.  It was like I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  Then it hit the second tower and I woke up! I was shocked and in tears at the same time.  I immediately called one son stationed in AK we were 4 hours with time difference, I told him to turn on the TV and that we were under attacked!  He quickly got off the phone and it was a long while before we spoke again.  Our youngest was at A school and he was able to get through to me.  Our eldest was out to sea.  All travel stopped and Jim wasn't able to get out.  My heart sunk as I watched planes going down lives being lost in just one day.  I think of this day every year as others do and cry.  I cry for families that can't kiss and hug their loved ones that were lost and cry that I can do so with mine.  I cry for the emotional attachment I feel from experiencing this day that altered all of us.

From my journal I wrote on:  9/12/01, 9/14/01

You can’t even imagine thinking through the events of yesterday, 9/11/01.   The attack that took place on America.  Lord be with us.  Four hijackings - two of which crashed into both Towers of the World Trade Center in NY.  Third plane crash into the Pentagon apparently hitting there instead of original target being the White House and with another crashing into an area of Pennsylvania.  So many people not found so many lives lost.

Jim is stuck in Cleveland and I thank you Lord he is safe.  I’ve been talking with Aaron and thank you Father he is safe also.   I’m believing Matt and Jake are safe and I place them all in your hands.  I pray and I’m believing for the safety of all our family and friends.  I’m believing in the best of America and ask forgiveness for the Nation and a blessing on us all.  I ask for Your hand on this President and those in Government granting wisdom for all that is coming.  9/12/01 VB

Our Nation was in prayer today.  Candles were lit and flags flown in support of the country in remembrance of lives lost.  This is without a doubt one of the worst tragedies I’ve ever witnessed.  I will forever be thankful to you Lord knowing Your hand on our lives.  It’s sad to imagine a life not knowing You. 

I’ve been on such a roller coaster ride with my emotions ~

I’m happy Aaron is able and keeps calling.  So happy I heard from Matt today, he reminded me that I need to remember no news is good news and he was possibly in the safest place.  I know God watches over all three, but it helps hearing their voices.  I saw Matt’s cross that we bought for him and put it on to help me focus on Jesus.  And, hoping we all return to Him who calls us.  Jake, I know will call soon – I’m believing God for the best.  We are blessed and I’m so proud of our boys.

Jim should be home Monday after flights open more, I pray for a safe trip home. 

Father be with our president and thank you that history was made by Congress with unanimous support.  Continue to work with those in the government and in the decisions, they will be making.  Comfort surviving victims and all families of those that lost their lives.  And, Lord be with our family, friends, all our loved ones I pray that all come to know you in their hearts.  This morning I was reading Psalm 27.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.  Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.  One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.  For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.  And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.  Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!  You have said, “Seek my face.”  My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”  Hide not your face from me.  Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help.  Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!  For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.  Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.  Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.  I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!  Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!  Psalm 27:1-14 ESV    9/14/01 VB

Of course, I had other entries of that time and happy to say Jim did make it home.  But fast tracking to today and my reason for sharing.   This morning I was thinking tomorrow will again be 9/11 a time to reflect on all that happened 18 years ago.   It was a time that was so tragic for this country but also a time when you saw how people came together.  They held each other - they cried with each other- they prayed together, and it was something that people everywhere got to witness that showed the evils of this world and the love of humanity.  Showing that good side in everyone; by putting their differences aside during a time of horrible darkness and great sadness, we came together as a country.  .  .

Now here we are again with sadness remembering this day and lives lost lifting up families that miss their loved ones and remember those that stepped up to help - their selfless acts of sacrifice are not forgotten.  Since that day changes have taken place both good and not so good.  I believe we all can agree on some things and together are thankful for those who have kept us safe.

During this time of remembering let us also not forget that very same evil has not left this world and is still working today.  We might not be witnessing in our country what we did that day or what others can face daily; but that same unnatural source of hatred and evil is still alive working.  But instead of coming together it is directed towards each other to keep us separate.  My hope and prayer is that we can come together as we did 18 years ago and put our differences as side and work together for all of us and our country.

Sometimes it's as simple and starting with what we can agree on and go from there. Life is short do not take a moment to waste it.  Hatred starts at home within our hearts as does love and forgiveness.

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.  Mark 3:25

Remembering September 11, 2001 Vicky

My last good picture of the boys together.  Jim passing away coming up three years February 2020 was one of several changes in our family.  I know just how short life is - Love Always ~ VB