On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, most of our lives changed forever. Do you remember where you were that Tuesday morning? Like those that worked at the Pentagon and World Trade Centers, most were on their way to work or school. Moms and ads kissed their children goodbye at the daycare center, promising to, “see you soon.” Wives kissed husbands and passed them their morning coffee with no knowledge that they would not be home for dinner that night. For the thousands of lives lost to the tragedy of 9/11, remember that most of them were just like me and you–middle-class Americans going to work, making a living and taking care of their family.
There is much to be passed down to those who don't remember the events of 9/11.Think of the unborn children who never knew their fathers who died on 9/11. Some children were still so little that they ask each year, ” What happened on September 11?” As painful as it may be, (even I cannot view the video below without breaking down), do it anyway. Tell the story every year just as the Israelites retell the stories behind Passover and Hanukkah and Christians retell the stories behind Christmas and Easter. Teach the children and generations to come that this is a country that is built on, ” In God We Trust.”
There's been a lot of hype over the pastor in Florida who plans to burn Korans in order to “send a message to Islam.” Remember what Jesus told us while He walked this earth, “But I tell you:love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44 (NIV). “But I tell you who hear me:love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” Luke 6:27(NIV). Nothing will be overcome through hatred. Burning Korans will just create more hate.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This is what all the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 taught us. We as Americans, all became one that day, unified in the fact that Islamic extremists considered us all unworthy and wanted to destroy us all. For the victims of 9/11, there was no distinction between race, creed, color or religion. It was out of LOVE for life and for fellow man that all the victims of 9/11 helped one another, even unto death.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 (NIV).
Nine years later, would you do the same today, if faced with that choice? Have you forgotten?
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