9-11

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

I had dropped the boys at school and made my way to Guntersville to begin my day of appointments. As I traveled the road, I turned the radio to the Rick and Bubba Show. I didn't normally listen to them but for some reason I felt the need that morning. Rick kept commenting on something happening but was being vague in his explanations. Them being a comedy show I had never heard such seriousness in their voices. By the time I pulled into the salon parking lot they had confirmed a plane had flown into one of the twin towers in New York City. I remember sitting there in my car and my first thought was..."what is a twin tower?" (I knew the building as the World Trade Center).

My head was spinning with questions of what could have happened with this plane as I was making my way across the parking lot. By the time I walked into the building everyone was reeling from the news and the volume of the salon stereo had been turned up a few notches. As I gathered myself and prepared for my first client I couldn't help but think about all of the victim's lives that was in this plane's path. Our salon was hushed, all but the voices of the journalists over the speakers that day and for many to come.

In the hours, days, weeks and months we saw our America differently than ever before. In such a short amount of time the death and destruction we witnessed on our tv screens were horrifying. "We will never be the same" was the rallying cry I kept hearing.

And we were not the same...for awhile.

Our hearts grew larger and softer toward one another. Our fear was brought forward but our faith was made stronger. Our churches grew by leaps and bounds. We were more gracious, kind and giving. I think the 'rallying cry' was spoken to be a negative statement (and it was for a long time). But over time I saw it as something positive to come out of this tragic situation.

We will always have our memories of 'Where Were You?' (Alan Jackson's song) when the world stopped turning. My heart still goes out to the families who lost so much that day, I pray for them still. Today is a day that goes down in history of how strong we are as a nation but also how vulnerable we are.

We will never forget.

When we have salvation, what joy we own in knowing that we can have faith to cling to in Jesus, hope we can embrace in our Savior and love that Christ displayed on the cross that is unconditional and everlasting.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

I love you and He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for Your promise. Thank You for a home that will be everlasting; free from tragedy, pain and evilness. My hope is found in You. In Jesus I pray. Amen.