On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked my sister's birthday.
I remember it as if it were yesterday. My daughters and I had declared a holiday from school in order to celebrate my sister's 31st birthday. We packed the car with gifts and a birthday cake to take to her home in Leesville, South Carolina.
We were enroute when the radio announcer's voice broke through our happy chatter to announce the stunning news. As we traveled farther from the source of the radio signal, we lost the broadcast and were left with more questions than answers.
The images on my sister's television screen confirmed truth worse than anything we had ever imagined. We made a feeble attempt at gifts and cake, but celebration seemed sacrilegious in the face of such a tragedy.
On September 11, 2001, my sister marked her 31st birthday with the realization that 3,497 people would never again celebrate theirs. Terrorists hijacked her birthday. She will never again celebrate her birthday completely carefree, for the shadow that clings to the edges of September 11 will be with us forever.
Terrorists hijacked my sister's birthday, but they did not steal our hope. September 11th was not God's idea, but wicked man's. But 9-11 did not change God's love for us. It is only because of His mercy that we are not consumed.
"Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
the one who seeks Him;
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:21-26)
If you know God as your Savior and Lord, take a moment to thank Him for His love and care for you.
If you don't know Him, let today be the day. Apart from Him, we have no hope. With Him, we rest secure. Our strength is not in the Twin Towers. Our strength is in God.
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Very poignant. They also hijacked my son's seventh birthday. Unfortunately, the terror attacks have defined his generation, but he is now a volunteer firefighter and loves serving his community.
ReplyDeleteI love this part - "But 9-11 did not change God's love for us. It is only because of His mercy that we are not consumed." I made the comment yesterday, I haven't forgotten the moment I heard the news,or how I felt as I scoured the internet (no tv at work) for information. Many things about our lives were hijacked that day. But, PRAISE THE LORD for His mercy and goodness!!
ReplyDeleteIn 2004, a friend and I were both pregnant and due within a month of one another, and she went into labor on the 10th and was hoping he would come before midnight. But, as God would have it, he was born on the 11th. She considered that to be the light in what was such a dark day. She hasn't forgotten that tragic day, and she won't forget the promise God gave her on that date. She is reminded of His love for us!
Great post.
ReplyDeleteGreat title, Lori, and great thoughts. Bless you and see you soon, Gail
ReplyDeleteAmen. Our strength rests in God alone. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteAmen! "They did not steal our hope". Love this. Blessings to you and your sister!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Now a follower. I hope you will visit me as well.
"Terrorists hijacked my sister's birthday, but they did not steal our hope."
ReplyDeleteThe Challenger Shuttle explosion occurred on the birthday of our twin's 11th birthday. It does make you think about mortality and the plans the Lord has for us! Thank you!