9-11 Reflections

I have experienced two major national tragedies of epic proportions in my life time. The first occurred 43 years ago on a November day in 1963. I was sitting in my 7th grade math class when the school secretary walked into my classroom, interrupting Mr. Noctor's teaching to whisper something in his hear. Upon her exiting the classroom, Mr Noctor very calmly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our President has been shot in Texas." School was dismissed early, and I spent the rest of the day in front of a Philco Television set, watching a grainy black and white picture, trying to piece together the stunning events of that day in absolute horror and shock. Some historians look back to this event as "the day that America lost its innocense."

The second occurred 5 years ago today. I had been busy with last minute preparations for a finance committee meeting at the district office, when one of our committee members rushed in to announce that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. We all rushed to the A/V room and turned on the television. As we stood there watching and listening to commentators, to our horror, we actually saw the the second plane crash into the second tower. For the next hour or so we were mesmerized by the news as reports came forth of a plane slamming into the Pentagon, the collapse of the twin towers, and the eventual fate of United 93. Many in the media refer to this day's event as "the day that changed Americans forever."

Reflecting on these two major events during my devotional time, these thoughts crossed my mind. First, Jesus said, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)

Second, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph 6:11-12NIV)

Third, it is amazing how life changing events are captured in our minds, seemingly forever. There is another day that far exceeds those two tragic events that I have experience in my life. I remember a day that I regained my innocense and my life was forever changed; August 23, 1973. It was the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and received God's forgiveness and pardon. It has truly been a life forming event for me.