Never Forget

I will never for get September 11, 2001 and recently wrote about the feelings of fear that ran through my body that day (you can find it here). 

I can say, though, that this day usually creeps up on me during the busyness of this time of the year. This is very similar to the busyness that was my life fourteen years ago as I was preparing to give birth to my first born (born two days later). 

I don think I ever have many words for this day besides it was a horrible day as many would agree. 

Today I want to share with you the words of others. 

First, the words George W. Bush gave us on this day 14 years ago:

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

You can read his entire statement here: http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911-16.html

And since reading that statement again has me in tears - I think more today as a mother and wife then 14 years ago with this tragedy took place - I want to share with you this prayer that the Luther Church-Missouri Synod placed on Facebook this morning:

Lover of the human race, kind heavenly Father, on this anniversary of the tragedy that befell our nation 14 years ago, we pause under Your embrace to remember.

We remember those whose lives were lost that fateful day.

We remember the compassion and courage of our first responders.

We remember the families that were torn apart, never to be united again in this fallen age.

We remember all who ministered to broken hearts and sought to bring them Your comfort.

We remember the way our nation changed that day.

And as we remember, we beg Your mercy on all who carry wounds of heart, body or mind.

We ask Your mercy on all who continue to serve in our armed forces, strengthening and upholding them in every good deed.

We ask Your mercy upon all our first responders who so frequently put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.

We ask Your mercy for our public servants that they be given wisdom as they continue the struggle against terror and violence in our world.

We ask Your mercy also on those who meant us harm, begging You to give them the gift of repentance, changed hearts and new minds.

And we ask all these things in the name of Him who knew in His own body the pain inflicted by unreasoning hatred and religious violence, our Lord Jesus Christ, whose love triumphs over all, whose forgiveness holds us fast, and who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Today I will stop and remember the 2,977 men and women who lost their lives at these times. 

8:46am: American Airlines 11

9:03am: Unites 175 - South Tower

9:37am: American Airlines 177 - pentagon 

10:13am: United 173 - Shanksville

And today I will, again, pray for our nation. 

Also, today I will tell my family, I Love You many more times than yesterday. If there is one thing I have learned through facing grief is that you must show love now, in this moment, because you never know where the day will take you. 

Mural created by the Lower School Art Students of Porter Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina in Mrs. Laura Orvin's Art Class for the people of New York. Gift of Lawrence Knafo.
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