Remembering 9/11

(Photo credit: http://www.prismagraphic.com/september-11-2001-day-remember/)

(**reposting from 2007**)
6 years ago, my eyes were transfixed to the telly watching CNN's coverage of the second plane crashing into one of the towers. I shook my head in disbelief. What just happened? That was just a little plane, right? As it continued, and the full extent of the horror unfolded, I was brought to my knees crying as I realized that while New York's finest had just entered the Twin Towers, they were now being buried under the falling brick and mortar.
That day, shards of glass penetrated my soul, searing it forever. Images of people celebrating the death and destruction both angered and grieved me. I saw the eyes of evil that day, and it was a terrible vision, the eyes of Satan himself, mocking and jubilant. Hatred and revenge using God's holy Name to perpetrate murder. My reading today in the Psalms spoke directly to that day: see for yourself--(http://www.bible.com/)

Psalm 94
1 O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?
4 They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.
5 They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.
6 They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.
7 They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."
8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?
9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you— one that brings on misery by its decrees?
21 They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
22 But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
23 He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society



The difference between these murderers and I is that by the grace of God I can forgive. That day, I pledged never to leave a legacy of hatred and grudge-bearing for my children to pass on to their children. I realized that God is quite capable of handling matters of injustice. I later read a bio of Osama Bin Laden and saw a man who had been wounded and who had harnessed religion and pain into a diabolical plan of revenge. A man who never knew grace. A man who had probably encountered many Christians. Was he shown grace?


Father, You who knows and sees all, I commit this day to You. I commit all those wounded on that day, those left with a hole in their hearts because those they love will never be with them here on earth, those who live with fear and anxiety, those who bear anger and bitterness. Give them a message of hope and redemption this day. Thwart any murderous plots planned for today. Show Your power, O mighty God. I love You, O God who reigns supreme. I am grateful for Your grace so freely given. In Jesus Name, Amen.