September 11th

“The Lord is near to the broken hearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“Where were you when 9/11 happened?” This is a question that seems to come up in discussions every once in a while. I think it’s because we all realize that, though we may not have known it at the time, most of us remember vividly what we were doing the moment we found out about the horrific terrorist attacks on Tuesday September 11, 2001.

I was at a 6 a.m. prayer meeting with the elders of my church, “The Christ Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.” One of the elders Bob Nozaki heard the news as he was driving to church, but at that time the news reported that it was a small plane that mistakenly flew into one of the towers. When we finished the prayer meeting we turned on the TV to learn that a second commercial plane had flown into the second tower and another plane had hit the Pentagon.

Like many people, that footage has been seared into my mind and I can still see people running from danger and the first responders running towards it. 22 years later people continue to mourn. Perhaps you are going through a time of sorrow, grief and mourning as well. Remember the promise of Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the broken hearted, he saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Thought For Today: On the anniversary of this tragic day, let us not forget the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives and were injured on that day as well as the thousands of others who continue to grieve, become ill, and be impacted by the toxic matter that rose from the ruble.

Today’s Prayer Focus: Thank God for our service men and women who entered the service of our nation as a result of 9/11 and the many who have lost their lives and were injured. Today the Wintersburg Grief Recovery Group is meeting for lunch, pray for God’s strengthening and healing touch to rest upon them.