To say the least, it was a beautiful sight to see and a wonderful chance to reflect on the tragedy that occurred 11 years ago.
I was a 7th grader sitting in Ms. Israel's English class when we received word over the p.a. system that planes had struck the Twin Towers. As a young kid, I wasn't sure what to think and I'm not too sure I fully grasped the magnitude of what had happened. I was experiencing tons of emotions from fear to grief to pure shock. It was scary but there was so much commotion and kids being picked up from classes by their parents that I felt lost in it all.
I'm proud to be an American and I thank God for blessing my family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances with a wonderful nation that gives us the chance to express ourselves freely. In my opinion, allowing me to worship Jesus Christ freely and write blogs like this without fear of persecution by the government is what has sanctified this country above the rest. It is what has made America the greatest nation on the planet.
And tonight, I was reminded how amazing and wonderful this country can truly be. Through rough times and hardship and tragedy, America will find a way to give people hope. Yes, there is always a bone to pick somewhere but when I take a step back and look at the big picture of what the United States is, I can't help but say this country is blessed by God.
"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God."
-John F. Kennedy
Normally, I would take from scripture for this blog but I want to show that this country is blessed with all its riches and power because God has given it to us by our faith in Him. Think about what this country was founded upon...Christianity. That can be argued as some might say "religious freedom" was the basis for this nation but when you look at the Constitution and the way this nation was arranged, one can't help but directly relate it to Biblical values.
Going back to 9/11 now, I must say that tonight after spending about 10 minutes admiring the skyline from the highest point in my town, I am more happy to be an American and a man of God. I felt the Lord's presence tonight and it moved me to pray and consider the lives of those lost that day. It also brought me to an interesting place: Forgiveness
Though it may be the hardest thing to do, forgiving one another is what following Jesus Christ is all about. Jesus is love. Love is being able to forgive. Jesus Christ forgave us all for our sins. He died for our sins. He yelled out, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," (Luke 23:24) while they were crucifying him. Therefore, to follow Christ and follow in His love, we must forgive. Now, does this mean we must forgive the people that terrorized our nation 11 years ago to this date? Well, I'm not going to answer that. I feel that this question is better left unanswered and something that must be revealed by God in time, individually.
Closing Thoughts
Finally, I'd just like to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. There are so many people that are still and always will be affected by this day whether it is families, friendships, communities, workplaces, among so many others. It's difficult having to cope with loss and I've had to do it recently with the loss of my beloved pet, Cubby, who I considered to a best friend. But what I've been reminded from the day I accepted Jesus into my life, is that death is not the end. There is good news and that is Christ has given us a chance to receive God's grace and mercy. We need the Lord's mercy to find our way into Heaven one day and the only way to receive that mercy is through Christ. I believe that God's mercy reigned down upon this nation after 9/11. God is always there, through good times, and through tragedy. God will never leave our side.
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