The Event ~ Ten Years Later

The entire USA nation is gearing up to memorilize the 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, the terrorist attack on America through the destruction of the World Trade Center towers in New Yorik, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and the plane crash in Pennsylvania which thwarted an attack on the Capitol, all resulting in the loss of thousands of lives of American citizens. 

This event is one that is etched on the minds of every American who was alive, still alive, and old enough to remember the events of that day.   It will not be soon forgotten, and in the last ten years we have been reminded of it almost daily as America continues to fight the war on terrorism to protect our country and its people.  It is debateable how successful this campaign has been in ten years. 

In my mind, this is the most tragic, devastating event that has occurred on American soil.  It has its place in American history books.  My grandkids and great grandkids will read about it, but will never comprehend it. 

Life goes on, one day at a time, but its amazing how tragedy can be forever etched on the mind, more so than historical victories.  I can remember exactly where I was on that day ten years ago; and also exactly where I was when John F. Kennedy was assassinated November 22, 1963; when the space shuttle Challenger exploded  in mid-air shortly after take off Februry 1, 2003; when Robert Kennedy was shot in California June 6, 1968; when Princess Diana was killed in a Paris car crash in a tunnel  August 31, 1997; when hurricane Katrina wiped out New Orleans August 29, 2005.

But where are the victories and celebrations of America?  Are there any beyond the announcement of the end of World War II?  (I wasn't around for that one, but it's in the history books!)

We can vividly remember the celebrations within our own families - the happy times, the memories created.   But beyond that, our brain seems to etch tragedy over triumph.

I saw a church sign just the other day that said "God doesn't promise to protect us from storms, but he does promise to get us through storms."    9-11 brought the nation together under one God - for a fleeting moment in time.  It was a very brief moment in time when the nation in unison actually turned to "one true God" in prayer and supplication. "One nation under God."  Then it was back to business as usual in efforts to remove God from everything important ~ like government, schools, families, businesses.  Don't get in my way God.  I'll call you when and if I need you ~ that seems to be the common thread among so many people, including many, many Christians.

Now, as we prepare to "celebrate together" the ten year anniversary of the most tragic event occurring on American soil, we will hear many refer to the "grace of God", "prayer", etc for another fleeting moment.

I thank God for life, and for getting me through the storms of life, because it is the storms of life that  draws one closer to God.  Drawing close to God and STAYING there (close to God) is the challenge.  How often we drift off in left field.   He is surely disappointed when we do not acknowledge His hand in our life.

So anyway, as we all share in the media hype, the special programs, rewatch the chilling events on tv, bow our heads in praise and thanks to the God of all nations, ask for His continued blessings on this country, I hope we all acknowlege that God is still in control and He will continue to be with those who seek Him in many more storms of life to come.  Remember, God doesn't throw things in our path to disrupt it and then walk away.  He has a plan for us. 

Now let's remember the victories of life, the pleasant events, and count our blessings, all of which are undeserved but continue to be poured out from the hand of God.