Category: 9/11

  • When the Twin Towers went down on 9/11, so did America’s take-it-for-granted sense of security

    The horror occurred far away from where most of us lived and every bit of it seemed inconceivable. Yet there it was, playing out on whatever screen we were watching. Reality that ushered in a nation-wide  epidemic of fear. 

    Sometimes the terror hits close to home, in our lives or with people we love. Medical test results we prayed never to see. Marriage or relationship problems, whether our own or those of our children.  Family unrest. A job that before  always felt secure, but now feels shaky. 

    How do we cope when life feels uncertain? We may feel a gaping emptiness inside and long for comfort, but think we have nowhere to turn. Loved ones may look to us for direction or maybe, practical help.

    Sometimes we, too, feel needy and think: I have nothing left to give.  

    What then? If we care about these individuals we likely do what people have done since the beginning of time. We give anyway.

    Take a long look back

    Generations before us endured hardships, disasters and personal catastrophes we can’t even imagine. Somehow they dug deep and found reasons to hope and keep going.

    I’m guessing they did it mostly by taking their thoughts off what was lost and focusing on what was left.

    Those who believed in God, even though they may have been drenched in fear, could speak hope that came from beyond themselves. Hope that rested in the One who promises to be with us, no matter what, no matter where, and to be our strength, even when we have none left within ourselves.

    I don’t know about your family, but from what I know of mine, growing up I heard them talk–and later read in several handwritten letters–of how their faith in God was their lifeline. They believed life could still be good because they trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior,

    From that solid foundation they kept on, keepin’ on.

    How do we protect our children in this scary world?

    We can’t, not really. We can hold their hands so tightly it cuts off their circulation and follow them around like bird dogs, but there’s no way to absolutely ensure they will never hurt, never be disappointed.

    We watch over them, of course. We hug them and comfort them and speak the love we feel because nobody ever gets too much love and encouragement. Day after day we speak faith and sound values in ways they understand and can make their own. In all these “small” ways we can help them grow strong from within, equipped to withstand their own future challenges. 

    Through it all, good times or not-so-good, every day we commit our loved ones to God’s protection, asking Him to watch over them.

    How do we model living in faith?

    I used to think at some point I would arrive at a more, um, exalted state of being. That I would somehow “graduate” and always be at peace.

    Perhaps you’ve wished and prayed for that, too. Let’s face the (humbling) truth: We are human beings. Never-ending announcements of yet another reason to feel uneasy come regularly. That’s the world we live in, yet we need not cringe in fear.

    I’ve learned that speaking positive affirmations to myself is a waste of time. What helps me most when the “What ifs” and “If onlys” strike, is to repeat in my mind–or aloud, to myself–Bible verses like these:

    God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea. Psalm 46:1

    The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.    Psalm 9:9-10

    The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.   Psalm 29:11

     Living in the world

    You and I can’t stop the evil in the world–and yes, there is evil in the world. It didn’t stop with 9/11–and it won’t. Evil will always keep trying, but in Jesus, the battle is already won. (See John 3:16.)

    Our best strategy for survival and for enduring whatever comes is to stay planted in the Lord and keep filling our minds with truths from God’s written Word. Then, when and if people we love turn to us, we have something worthwhile to pass on, such as this verse: 

    The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

    Whatever the disaster, little or large, when we believe in Jesus Christ we find the strength and stability to get through it and also to speak peace and hope to those around us. All we need to do is ask.

    Trusting, always,

    Lenore

    Find Strength to Cope With Life’s Unthinkables

  • The 20th anniversary of 9/11 occurs this year, 2021. 

    That day changed the way we Americans think and introduced all of us to a new kind of fear, an underlying anxiety. 

    Blog. 9.11 bldgs. 9.17Even now, television replays and photos of that day shock us and remind us of the ongoing horror and the sorrowful days that followed.

    Some ask what good does it do to remember because no one can rewrite one second of that day?

    Yet we must remember, if only to recall to our minds that 9/11 changed life as we knew it and ushered in extensive safety and security restrictions as "normal" in our daily lives. 

    Perhaps we need the annual reminder that life is fragile and each one of us is vulnerable at any moment of any day.

    It could have been any of us that happened to be in the World Trade Center at that exact moment  

    Less than two months before 9/11, a friend and I sat in the the glass-walled Observation Tower on the top floor of one of those Twin Towers.

    It was my first time in Manhattan and I loved it.

    My husband and I lived in Washington state and I sang with a community choral group. In July of 2001 our Chorus traveled across the country to give a few concerts. New York City was to be our second stop.

    First we sang for a large national church conference group in Washington, D.C.

    Our performances ended mid-afternoon. That gave most of our chorus members ample time to head on over to the U.S. Capitol. We all knew from watching past Independence Day celebrations on TV that's what was scheduled for the evening of July 4th.  

    Now we–with no prior arrangements whatsoever–wanted to watch it up close and personal, so we decided to chance it whether we could find a place among the mass of attendees. After all, the hotel clerk said, "Just walk on over and find a place to sit."

    A carefree July 4 in DC  

    About sunset a group of us singers/sightseers found empty spots where we could perch on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

    Not a barrier in sight. No fenced-off areas. All around us people were strolling about freely.  

    It seemed like a photo-shoot of America. The grounds were filled with folks of all ages and every color, many conversing in unfamiliar (to us) languages. Some people spread their blankets and picnics on the Capitol lawn. Some put out lawn chairs brought from home and positioned themselves to get the best view of the stage show and fireworks to come. Kids did what kids do, playing tag and running around between blankets and chairs.

    We all mingled peaceably and it seemed every face wore a smile.

    Those in our group talked of how amazing and wonderful it was that such large crowds could gather so close to the Nation's Capitol building. One said, "It all reminds you what it means to live in a free country, doesn't it?"

    Not one of us imagined this would be the last time crowds assembled for Independence Day–or any day–would enjoy such freedom of access.  

    Next day we were off to New York City to give another performance 

    We had some personal time earlier in the day. My friend had been there many times and insisted we must go to the Twin Towers, because "Everyone needs to go up on top and just look out at least one time in their lives."

    We took the elevator to the top, the Observation floor, which featured glass walls that stretched around most of that floor. We found empty seats in the front row and sat for perhaps 20 minutes with our knees pressed against the glass.  

    Then I walked all around the roomy space, awed by the evidence of God's creative hand in the beauty of land and sea and sky on all sides. That grandeur touched my heart way more than the works of man, the impressive skyscrapers that dwarfed the Empire State Building. 

    A couple of smiling security guards watched as we came in and when we left, simply observing the people who were there. Nothing more.

    Nothing more was needed.  

    That night our Chorus performed at a concert hall, complete with orchestra.  (I kept pinching myself.) Once again, no complex security requirements. Audience members needed only a ticket. We performers simply walked in the Stage Entrance. One Security guard, casually keeping watch. No hassle, just walk in.

    My heart brimmed over on that trip and on our flight home, thanking God that I was able to be included in that "dream" trip.

    And so blessed to live in these United States of America.

    Who could have known these would be "before" freedoms?

    On 9/11, life changed. For all of us. Never again would we take it for granted that we were safe, simply because we lived in the United States of America.

    Ever since, there's been an underlying sense of fear and watchfulness, as if collectively, we were waiting for "next time." 

    Since 9/11, nobody without proper credentials strolls aimlessly through the U.S. Capitol grounds–or anywhere else in public buildings or grounds of Washington, D.C. Or in most other Government buildings, whether national or state.  

    How have we come safely through these past years? We may credit this Administration or that Administration. We may reel off a long list of agencies and personnel and give credit where, yes absolutely, credit is due.

    Yet every expert in every field tells us the best efforts by the best people remain insufficient. No agency, no amount of armed guards, no amount of money spent for the latest defense equipment, can guarantee the safety of this Nation–nor of us as individuals.

    Evil is real. Evil exists all around us, just as it has since Eden. To consider Evil an outdated concept is akin to burying one's head in the sand.

    The ongoing lesson is this: Only one sure Defense exists 

    By now we all know very well that people and programs are not enough to keep us safe. We need Help that will never fail us. Where can we turn?

    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Psalm 46:1  ESV

    Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.    Proverbs 30:5  ESV 

    Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.   Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV

    What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   Romans 8:31  ESV

    As a Nation, as individuals, we could not be in better hands–on this day or any day of any year.  

    May God bless America, indeed, and keep us safe, both now and in the future!

    And, Gentle Reader, may you know His peace in your heart and in your life, the peace that passes all human understanding.  

    Trusting and praying, too,

    Lenore

    Ongoing Lessons from 9/11

  • Am I the only one who thinks this week of the year feels a bit unreal?

    I always have. It's not Christmas anymore–and it's not Dreamstime_xs_141317 (480x319)
    quite time for the New Year, either. Family gatherings are over and all the special events are past. After-Christmas sales beckon, of course, but even champion shoppers eventually tire of the sport. Or run out of money. 

    Then what?

    I unearthed an old piece I've loved for years in which an unknown writer offers suggestions that always keep me thinking. The original title was, "This Christmas …" but I think these timeless words fit any season.   

    HOW TO LIVE IN THE YEAR AHEAD

    • Mend a quarrel.
    • Seek out a forgotten friend.    
    • Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.     
    • Write a love letter.
    • Share some treasure.
    • Give a soft answer.
    • Encourage youth.
    • Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
    • Keep a promise.
    • Find the time.
    • Forego a grudge.   
    • Forgive an enemy.
    • Listen.
    • Apologize if you were wrong.
    • Try to understand.
    • Scorn envy.
    • Examine your demands on others.
    • Think first of someone else.
    • Appreciate.
    • Be kind; be gentle.
    • Laugh a little.
    • Laugh a little more.
    • Deserve confidence.
    • Fight malice.
    • Decry complacency.
    • Express your gratitude.
    • Go to church.
    • Welcome a stranger.
    • Gladden the heart of a child.
    • Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
    • Speak your love.
    • Speak it again.
    • Speak it still once again.

    Those last three lines say it all, don't they? 

    Isn't that why we love the Christmas season? The gifts we gave, the Christmas cards we sent and received speak of L-O-V-E.  So do those notes and Emails to (or from) people we care about.

    It doesn't matter how we connect. Telephone calls can charge us up because we hear the caller's voice. Just hearing dear voices can keep us smiling for a long time.

    So why wait until next year to reach out to them again? 

    Every Christmas the world around us feels more loving. That's fitting because  Christmas is all about love, as the blazing star over that humble manger reminds us.

    The Christ child, God come to earth, is the ultimate proof that what we read in 1 Corinthians 13 is true: Love never fails. God's love never fails.  

    Now there's a glow that lasts, through all time, through every week of every year.

    As for what do we do with this week? Or any week?

    Let's not waste a minute. Let's live!   

    Blessings to you,    

    Lenore

       

    What shall we do with this week of “suspended animation?”