My heart still breaks when I remember September 11, 2001. Like many others, I remember where I was when I first heard the news of what was happening that day. I was at work when someone came into our office and told us. I remember feeling disbelief until I saw the events happening on TV. The images were surreal and it seemed there was no end to the horror. It went on for hours and hours...days and days.
Nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives that day. Never before had there been such an attack on our country. The pain was inexpressible. Our freedoms were threatened and our safety was no longer assured. So many families suffered losses that day. Lives were forever changed. Stories of heroes began to surface and have been shared again and again. We will never forget.
"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days' let me know how fleeting is my life, You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath...But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you," (Psalm 39:4-5, 7 NIV).
Today our flags are flown at half-staff in memory of those who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twenty-four years ago. The roles of Fire Fighters, Police Persons, and First Responders have changed forever. The respect and honor they deserve for their dangerous jobs remains high. We thank them for their service.
Oh, God, this day remains so painful for Americans and our friends around the world. It reminds us there are enemies in our world that want to hurt us, and that it is a privilege to live where we have freedoms. Lord, we pray for all those who experienced personal loss twenty-four years ago. Comfort them and call them into Your fold. Help us cherish this land of freedom every day and lift our eyes to the hope only You can provide. We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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