9/11

Today is the anniversary of the dreadful 9/11 attacks. It was my first day alone with my new baby Tyler. When Paul heard the news he let me sleep a bit longer before calling to tell me, and then I just sat there glued to the TV trying to figure it all out. Actually, when he called and said, "Turn on the TV," I made him tell me what was wrong, because the last time someone said that it was the Oklahoma City bombing.

It was a horrible day that actually brought out the best in our nation. Makes me realize that sometimes our best DOES indeed come through trials, as much as we don't want them or like them. I'm definitely not one of those who gets up at church and says, "I'm grateful for my trials." However, I am grateful for what I learn when I am pushed to my limit and tested.

Anyway, shortly after 9/11 I received the following via e-mail. I LOVE it! I know that God has to let people have their agency so that He can judge them accordingly. If He stopped people from doing anything wrong, that is taking away their agency, and He can't punish them for something they didn't do. So, although He lets bad things happen to His children, He is there for them throughout.

Where Was God on September 11, 2001?
How many of us have heard that question "Where was your God when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked?" Well I know where my God was the morning of September 11, 2001, and He was very busy!

• He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights. Those four flights together held more than 1,000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard. He was also on those four flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on a hijacked plane said that passengers were screaming in the background. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the hijackers.
• God was also busy creating obstacles to prevent people who worked in the WTC from getting to work on time. The work day had begun, more than 50,000 people worked in the two towers, yet only 20,000 were at their desks. On that beautiful morning, God created scores of unexpected traffic delays, subway delays, and commuter train delays. A PATH train packed with commuters was stopped at a signal just short of the WTC and was able to return to Jersey City. And far more meetings were scheduled elsewhere than was usual.
• God held up each of the two mighty towers for a half hour so that the people on the lower floors could get out. And when He finally let go, He caused the towers to fall inward rather than to topple over, which would have killed so many more people. The foundations of six surrounding buildings were demolished by the fall of the towers, but God held them up for many hours until all the occupants were safely evacuated.
• And when the World Trade Center buildings went down, my God picked up almost 3,500 of His children and carried them to their home for all eternity. He also sat down and cried that 19 of His misguided children could have so much hate in their hearts, that they did not choose Him, but another god that doesn't exist.
• He sent his children who are best trained for this disaster (firefighters and police officers) and had them save those who were still alive but unable to help themselves. And then He sent many others to help in any way they were needed. And He brought people together across the world in a way that moved thousands to tears and hundreds of thousands to prayer—and caused millions to turn to the one true living God.
• He still isn't finished. Every day He comforts those who lost loved ones and gives His other children the strength to reach out and help them in any way they can. He is encouraging others to reach out to those who don't know Him or believe in Him. He is giving the leaders of our great nation the strength and conviction to do the right thing, to follow His will, not a popularity poll.
• And I believe he will continue to help us in what is to come. He would never leave us in our time of need.

So if anyone ever asks, "Where was your God on 9/11?" you can say, "He was everywhere! And, in fact, he is everywhere today and every day." Without a doubt, this was the worst catastrophe most of us have ever seen. I can't imagine getting through such a difficult time without God at my side. Without God, life would be hopeless.

- Author unknown