Remembering

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

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9/11/01

I remember the day, the weather and where I was located when I felt the tingle up my spine. I remember with whom I stood as the realization started to seep into my consciousness.

Something was terribly wrong.

My heart sank with the first indications of terror, and then my brain went into emergency mode. Checklist…

Children and husband
Loved ones afar
Connect and gather
Hunker down and pray
Wait and wait
Try not to watch the images
Let the images seat my brain so that I might not ever forget

Remembering all the events in which I’ve had the honor & privilege to participate. The beautiful and the difficult moments are part of my story simply because the Lord has allowed me this time to live.

Remembering is important. And remembering is purposeful for giving thanks and honoring all that’s precious and no longer with us.

Remembering that I am not in control. Nor do I number my own days. I remember today the importance of being prepared to meet God, and reflect on the glory of that time for me.

Yet I remember the importance of inviting others into a faith relationship with His dear Son because we just don’t know how many days we have yet to run.

Remembering with gratitude all who selflessly gave their all on that day that others might live. And all these years later, the next generation of selfless responders reminds me that sacrificial living is contagious and attractive.

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Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13 NIV

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Overarching all my human efforts to never forget and to live a life of generous gratitude, is Jesus. I remember today His perfect sacrifice on the cross. The unblemished Lamb of God who gave His life for me while I was yet rebellious toward His love and His Kingship.

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Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36 NIV

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Saying thanks does not seem adequate on this day of remembering. However, with joyful gratitude I choose to remember and honor my Savior who secured me. My heavenly Father who chose me. Holy Spirit who wooed me close.

And I choose to remember my neighbors near and far. All of us impacted by the events of the day, 9/11/01.

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Love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

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And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.