Image Credit: istockphoto.com/tunart

Finding Hope As We Remember 9/11

It was just another ordinary September day. The air was beginning to cool and bits of fall color were showing up on trees. All seemed normal and ordinary ... except it wasn’t. September 11, 2001, is etched into the minds of those who lived through that dark day of tragedy and sorrow. 

Twenty years ago, our nation gathered in solidarity to face the brutal attack on our country. Today, in the face of the pandemic's greater attack on lives across the globe, we find ourselves divided and fighting over personal freedoms.

For a moment, for the next 24 hours, maybe even the rest of the weekend, would you join with others across the Northwest? Let’s lay aside our differences and lift our hearts in prayer for those who were impacted by the events of 9/11.

As we remember how life in the United States and around the world changed 20 years ago when almost 3,000 people lost their lives in terrorist acts on September 11, 2001, as planes crashed through the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, please pray for those who were impacted by these events and for those who lost loved ones on that day. 

Let’s pray for the families of the first responders, many who gave their lives in service to their fellow human beings. Let’s remember the families of the brave passengers on United Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to save others.

As we honor and remember, let us also remember this: God saw what happened on that dark day, when planes flew into buildings. Matthew 10:29 assures us of that. “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it” (Matt 10:29, NLT).

The same God who saw these events, also gives us hope. He will sustain us and provide us with peace. Jesus knew we would need to be reminded of this when He said, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).

Remember who is our ultimate victor!

Author

Jay Wintermeyer

North Pacific Union assistant to the president for communication and Gleaner editor
Section