Saturday, September 12, 2015

A Short Spoken Word on 9/11

I will #neverforget...
...the first time I heard the words "terror attack" and "New York City" in a sentence together.
...the first time I saw the video of the airplane crashing into a building.
...the first time I heard the silence on the television as the news anchors stood in shock.

I will #neverforget...
...the cold panic, shock and pain that washed over me as I watched the Twin Towers fall.
...the tears I shed, the prayers I prayed, the confusion I felt.
...the fear that it wasn't over yet.

I will #neverforget...but I will also #alwaysremember.

I will #alwaysremember...
...that anger never once crossed my mind. Only pain, heartache, and hurt.
...how thankful I am for those who gave their lives for my freedom and how blessed I am to be alive today.
...the lives saved and the sacrifices made on that day.

I will #alwaysremember...
...that in the midst of confusion and turmoil, it is only though God's peace which surpasses understanding that we will find comfort (Philippians 4:6-8).
...that even when the spotlight is on the evil of this world, Christ's salvation is the light that shines through the darkness (John 8:12).

And I will #alwaysremember the ultimate sacrifice: that Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us that we would have eternal life (John 10:10-11).

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. 
Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, 
in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, 
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, 
patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 
Be of the same mind toward one another. 
Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. 
Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Romans 12:9-16 NKJV