"We have had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country."
- US President George W. Bush, 9:30 AM, 9/11/01
As someone who was only an innocent four-year-old at the time, I can't begin to fathom how these words resonated in the ears of millions of Americans. Although I am not capable of understanding the pain, the terror, the internal and external wounds of those affected by this tragedy, I still feel my heart breaking over the devastating event that took place just 15 years ago.
First the north tower, then the south, then the Pentagon, then another failed attempt, landing in a field. It was impossible to know if it was over then, or if more was to come. Everyone on the edge of their seats through the footage of collapsing buildings and people jumping out of windows. The death toll climbed-- mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, police, paramedics, firefighters.
One of the major causes of fear is uncertainty. Uncertainty gains its fuel from our vivid imagination that takes us to unthinkable places. Uncertainty crept into the hearts of every American on this day. The uncertainty of whether or not your loved one survived the disaster. The uncertainty of whether or not you were safe to stay at home. The uncertainty of whether or not the attacks would continue on. The uncertainty of a planned disaster marking each anniversary following. Not only did these terrorists cause the death of almost three thousand people on this day, but they also were able to wedge fear into every mind in America.
We must not forget 9/11. We must not forget the capability of a handful of hijackers and four planes. We must not let our guard down when it comes to national security. There is evil in this world, and it hasn't gone away. It is seeping in throughout the world and showing up in the worst possible way.
There are so many people still grieving the loss of loved ones. Remember them during this time. You may not have walked in their shoes, but you can still pour out love into their lives. If you don't know anyone directly involved in this disaster, then think of and pray for the mass of people that are going through pain due to 9/11.
Let this not be a time of hatred. Instead, may your hearts ache for the people who have sold their soul to evil and have decided to inflict such great pain onto other people. There is devastation everywhere, and there are lost people searching for contentment through harming others. Let us choose to hope and pray for their state of being, hope and pray that they will abandon this path of darkness, hope and pray that they will choose to love instead of hurt. Being bitter about what has happened is allowing the enemy to win; don't let them win.
Remember 9/11.
