September 11, 2001 is the “where were you when” conversation for everyone who was old enough to recognize in a moment that our lives – and the world – would never be the same.
On this 20th anniversary we are asking one another anew, “where were you?” And while we can remember it like it was yesterday, we also acknowledge that on most days we do not give it a conscious thought. To help us remember what we all promised to never forget, we have been connecting with a variety of people who experienced, witnessed and lived the events of 9/11 personally. For them, it is always yesterday. And yet, as people of faith, they have, over time, found God to be faithful in leading them on in hope.
These are their stories (audio below):
World Trade Center Tower 1 survivor, Leslie Haskin
Pastor Mike Flavin
Radio host, Keith Stevens
Air traffic controller, Rob Totman
Go back to the day when we all instinctively understood that no matter where we came from, no matter our differences, no matter our divisions, we are all Americans. We are one nation, under God, indivisible. It is good for us to remember that which we promised to #NeverForget.
In the congregation and community where I was serving at the time, we gathered around Psalm 46 and a number of hymns including How Firm a Foundation, A Mighty Fortress is our God, Amazing Grace and God Bless America. Make those the soundtrack of our time with God on this 20th anniversary of the day that changed us and all the ways we often fail to recognize it. Let the Lord take you back, that He might by faith, lead you on.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
