Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow. -Stevenson
Psalm 135:13, Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
On this 20th anniversary of the attack on the United States of America, I remember where I was when the 2,977 people lost their lives. It was a normal school day at Alamance Christian School. I had come in, unlocked the doors, and set the thermostats. Students had come in late; lunch orders were coming in, the lunch room was set up, and I was preparing for soccer games that evening. This time of year, most school maintenance staff would be mowing grass in preparation for the evening soccer and football games and I was no different. One of the teachers flagged me down and informed me what had happened. I went to find a television to get an update. I stood in shock. I could not believe my eyes. What in the world was going on? Yes, I remember. I remember feeling like someone had punched me in the gut. I remember tears swelling up in my eyes. I remember wondering, “What next?” I remember praying.
I also remember visitors at church. I remember a nation that seemed to be turning back to God. I remember the love and compassion towards fellow man. What a joyful time it was but then things began to change. It didn’t have to be that way but it happened; we started to fight amongst ourselves. The finger pointing. The name calling. Satan was and has had a field day for the past 20 years. But it doesn’t have to remain that way.
My son posted the other day, love one another! I believe it would do us good to remember that. Not because my son said it but because Jesus did. He told us in John 13:34, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. We need to remember that fundamental truth in God’s Word! This is what every home needs. This is what every church needs. This is what America needs. I don’t have to like what you believe, what you do, or where you go but what I can do is love you. I can love you because Jesus Christ first loved me!