9/11 Reflections

It is one of those moments in history that those who lived it will always know where they were when it happened. September 11, 2001. For me, I was in the shower when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. I came downstairs (we lived in a townhouse apartment in Memphis at the time) and had ABC's Good Morning America on TV. I watched the live shot as the second plane came into view and hit the other tower. I sat there frozen on the couch. I know I watched the images for at least a couple of hours. I don't remember anything else I did that day.

Six months later (March, 2002), I stood at Ground Zero. It was an overwhelming place to be. The makeshift memorials that were still up. Standing on the observation platform looking into that huge space where the towers once stood. Seeing the steel cross that had been found in the rubble and erected by the workers. Passing the little church just yards away that was the base of operations for the cleanup effort. Wanting to go in and knowing that I would not be allowed.

This morning I again was tuned into ABC's GMA. I again was in the shower at the moment when five years ago the first plane struck. I again was back in front of the TV when the moment of silence was observed at 8:03 (central time)--the moment five years ago the second plane hit the south tower. During that moment of silence I said a prayer. I prayed for all those who are still hurting, suffering, or grieving because of the events five years ago. Many are still hurting.

What I also saw this morning was a nation (and a city) that is healing. All the buildings surrounding Ground Zero that were damaged have been repaired. World Trade Center Tower 7 has been rebuilt and is open. The World Trade Center subway stop is reopened. They said that by the year 2012 (just 6 short years away) all the reconstruction at Ground Zero will be completed. But I also heard healing. Healing from the from those who survived. Healing from those who lost loved ones. Healing has been a theme leading up to this anniversary. Last week GMA brought America up to date on the kids who were born post-9/11 to dad's who died on 9/11. Some of those moms have remarried. Healing is taking place.

As you remember and reflect on the events of five years ago, please pray with me for the continued healing of our nation. Pray that we will never forget the One who does the healing.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.
(Jesus; Luke 4:18-19 [quoting Isaiah 61:1-2]; NLT)

May God Bless you!
May God Bless America!
May God Bless the world!