"Remembering 9/11"

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4 NIV).

September 11, 2001 is known the world over for one of the greatest tragedies our nation has ever suffered. The mantra has been “Never Forget.” That was our promise. And, in many ways we have kept that promise. Even though it's been nine years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and United Flight 93, our nation was forever changed on that fateful day. So today I want us to remember 9/11. Even those numbers have become shorthand for an infinite number of emotions: the shock and disbelief of watching the terrorist attack on live TV, the horror of watching the twin towers collapse upon themselves, the national grief as the number of confirmed casualties grew to over 2,800, and the growing realization that we are no longer beyond the reach of terrorist attacks. But perhaps, most of all, they note that we will never, ever be the same.

Some of those changes have been very good, while others have been difficult at best. One of those difficulties is how it has changed our focus and perspective on the real source of security and peace. We have become a people constantly looking over our shoulders. I would not advocate any less vigilance or protective measures for the safety of our nation. We must be secure. In fact, I would say that we still have some improvement to be made in that area, but that takes me away from the concentration of today’s reading. While some are seeking to remember 9/11 with more fear mongering, I am convinced that it is our responsibility as Christians to point people to the truth. Fear, hatred, and pain are tools of the enemy. Our only refuge, real refuge, from our enemy is in “the shelter of His wings.”

I received an email today from the founder of a Christian writer’s association I joined some months ago in Middle Tennessee. In it she wrote, “I have recently made the decision to denounce anything to do with the religion, churches, ministries and denominations of Christianity. I no longer have any desire to be associated with anything Christian-related or defined.” This was her response to some of the things being done under the guise of the church. The problem is that neither those things nor her response is correct. Neither will bring peace and hope to people in desperate need of both. Only the message of Christ can do that! That’s the message that calls all men to real freedom from fear. That’s the message that calls us to be overcomers. Since Jesus has overcome death and holds the keys to life itself, where else would we turn at such a time? Please remember those who have given so much both on this day nine years ago and since to protect us. But, do not fail to remember the One who gave His life to guarantee our eternal life! He is our strong tower!