Twenty years ago tomorrow our world changed as terrorists attacked America. I still remember driving back from talking on Tom Kinard’s “Kinard and Coffee” radio program that morning. I heard on breaking news that a plane had struck one of the Twin Towers. Probably due to my military background, I immediately suspected an enemy attack.
We probably all can remember where we were that day when our lives changed forever. Just like Pearl Harbor for a previous generation, our worldview would never be the same.
Despite the horror that unfolded that day in New York City, at the Pentagon, and over the skies of Pennsylvania on Flight 93, we also saw the heroics of first responders and ordinary citizens. God does not cause or wish evil, but He does cause good to come forth from the midst of tragedy.
One of the good effects of that horrible tragedy is that Americans were united almost like never before. We all flew flags from the windows of our cars. Old divisions didn’t seem to matter.
My friends, on this sad anniversary amidst the disaster that is currently happening in Afghanistan, I’d like to close with a few final thoughts.
First, remember that life is fragile. Hug your loved ones often. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, as scripture teaches.
Second, let’s all do more individually to bring our country back together. We can’t fix anyone but ourselves, so let it begin with me. We are called to be instruments of good.
Last, never forget. Never forget 9/11. Never forget the victims. Never forget the heroes. Never forget that despite the tragedies of our lives, God is good all the time. He will either spare us life’s difficulties, or He will give us unfailing strength to endure them.
Blessings to you and your loved ones.
