“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” (Virgil)

Breaking news interrupted the program. I ran upstairs to wake Keith; he taught the night before and went to bed around midnight.

We watched in horror as the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York billowed smoke near the 80th floor. We thought it was a freak accident.

Eighteen minutes later another Boeing 767 flew into the South Tower near the 60th floor. Men and women poured into the streets crying, screaming, running.

Head held high, eyes looking ahead, debris and dust covering every inch of her business suit, hair, face, and body, one woman walked slowly down the street. Her face haunts me 20 years later.

About an hour later, an American Airlines flight crashed into the Pentagon. A few minutes later, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. Then, the North Tower collapsed.

Passengers on a fourth hijacked flight that had been delayed learned of the attacks and fought the hijackers, causing the airplane to crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

People from 78 countries died that day, 2,996 in all, including first responders.

That day did not erase the victims of terrorism. In fact, we became acquainted with them and their families. Twenty years later, we remember them and pray for their families.

When evil struck on 9/11, first responders and others stood firm in their resolve to help, courageously rushing into the destruction to save many people.

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Some first responders gave their lives – immediately, and some with long-term challenges.

Evil struck that day. America responded in love for the victims.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)

We live in a fallen world. Evil is rampant. But God’s people are not of this world, John 17:16. Even in the rubble, Jesus did not leave us alone. He left America a reminder of His self-sacrificing love.

Two days after the attack, an excavation worker, Frank Silecchia discovered that “a 17-foot-long crossbeam, weighing at least two tons, was thrust at a vertical angle in the hellish wasteland. Like a cross.” (Sally Jenkins, 9/8/11, Washington Post).

Yes, evil visited America that day, but Jesus reigns victorious.

Hope. Jesus has overcome the world. He will never leave His followers or forsake them, Hebrews 13:5.

Holy and righteous are You, Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Evil cannot prevail, for You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Father, we pray that we, who are called by Your name, will humble ourselves, seek Your face, turn from our wicked ways, and get on our knees and pray. Bring revival, Lord. Bring an awakening. Cause America to turn to You with the strongest and deepest love for You that it has ever known. Forgive us, Lord God Almighty. Cleanse us, Father. Restore our relationship with You. Heal our land. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What do you remember about that day?
Did 9/11 change you in any way? Please share.

Featured Photo by Petr Kratochvil