A DAY TO REMEMBERSeptember 11, 2001 started just like any other typical work day for most Americans. In New York City thousands answered the call of the alarm clock, dressed and headed off to work. Some left in a hurry, without even a thought of telling their loved ones “I love you”. Others kissed their children goodbye and headed to work without a thought that this would be the last time they would see them. Without a clue of what was soon to happen, thousands rushed into the World Trade Center, thinking only of an important meeting, a project deadline, or a task that needed to be done– not knowing that they would not leave the building alive. None of them thought about the possibility of a terrorist attact–at least not on that day or in that place. But it happened!
Suddenly the eyes of the nation was focused on the World Trade Center. A plane had struck one of the towers. As reporters relayed the news of the “accident”, the unthinkable happened–another plane hit the second tower. All of a sudden we were forced to face the reality that America was being attacked. To say that we were shocked is an understatement. Even as rescurers scrambled to help the survivors, everyone was wondering,”Is there more to come?” People were in a state of shock, confused, and gripped by fear as they watched those two huge symbols of our nations economy come tumbling down. That was a day we will never forget.
Now nine years later we odserve “Patriot Day” in memory of that terrible tragedy. Today the flags fly at half-staff and at 8:46 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, the time when the first plane hit the north tower, we are to pause for a moment of silence. This is to be a day of prayer and remembrance. It should also be a time for reflection and resolve. The fires have been extinguished, the bodies have been buried, and the rubble has been removed, but we are still at war. We face an enemy that is determined and deadly. Let us not be lulled into a false sense of security. There might not be any bombs exploding, building falling, or bodies lying in the streets, but make no mistake about it, we are at war.
We face a ruthless enemy intoxicated by a religion that makes false promises and promotes deceit as a means of destroying all who are not in agreement with them. Do not be fooled by their lies. The same people who say they are just a peace-loving minority will force Sharia law on you if they ever gain control. Their goal is to establish Islamic law over the entire world and they will do anything to do it.
Every God-fearing, red-blooded American needs to take a stand. Our enemies have taken advantege of our kindness, used our laws against us, and pretended to be one of us. It’s time that we speak out, without fear or favor of any man, and make the truth known. I’m not talking about foolish insulting remarks that spark needless strife. I’m talking about speaking the truth in love and teaching our children the facts. We must do what we can while we can to protect the freedom we enjoy and preserve it for our children and grandchildren. The debate is already raging, it’s just a matter of whether or not you will be a voice for freedom or if you will just sit back and watch our country fall. This is no time to cow-down to threats and false accusations of those who try to intimidate and silence us. Stand up, speak up, and vote for those who do the same.
Most of all we need to keep our focus on what is most important. Take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this situation, by telling others of Christ. Assure them that God has a plan, a perfect plan, a plan that is personal. He planned for their redemption and provides it for all who trust His dear Son. 9-11 didn’t surprise God, anymore than the fall of man did. He knew both would happen and He is well able to use both to display His grace. He can use the most awful thing imagineable to accomplish the most glorious thing possible. He proved that at Calvary! That’s the message the world needs to hear. So, as you remember the tragedy of 9-11 resolve in your heart to do all you can to make Christ known. He is our only hope for peace.
— David Stone, 9/11/2010
