September 11, who will ever forget? I remember first hearing the reports of the first tower being struck over the radio, I then got to a television and watched in horror as the second plane hit the south tower. "Oh dear God", I remember saying. I stood there numb, unable to move, watching and knowing this was not happening.
I remember calling Susanne as I knew she was getting herself and the kids ready for Bible Study and would not have any news on. As I told her of the events, I could hardly believe my own words coming from my mouth. Moments later, the unthinkable happened, the mighty towers were crumbling, what was going on?
As the hours went by new reports kept coming in about the religious fanatics that were responsible for this monstrosity. This was not religion; this was pure evil plain and simple. That night I cried as I kissed my children goodnight, I cried because my country had been dealt a mighty blow, my children's world was suddenly not so innocent any longer and my God, the almighty who I worship and adore let this happen.
I spent much of that sleepless night asking God, where were you this morning? I wanted . . . no, I needed an answer.
Just 10 days later I stood at Ground Zero, a life altering experience indeed. It was there that my suspicions were confirmed God had fallen asleep at the wheel. This destruction along with Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania was all the evidence I needed to know God had let one fall through the cracks.
I saw the devastation first hand; I smelled death, saw the flames and wept as I viewed the tomb of 2,803 innocent people. My questions to God remained the same, but this time with even more indigence, God where were in the world were you the morning of September 11th?
My remaining days in New York were spent with policeman, rescue workers, firefighters, families who lost loved ones and many others directly affected by the tragic events. I heard of incredible stories of those who were scheduled to be in the towers, but were either sick, or running late that day. I spoke with Celenea Besseril, the daughter of a New York City Policeman who found herself in the middle of the chaos and the raining debris. She told me of being grabbed by a complete stranger and brought to her grandfathers house. Complete stranger? More like an angel. I sat in a worship service where 14 people came to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I was part of leading a prayer meeting at the 43rd Precinct in Inwood Heights; the prayer meeting was at the request of the precincts Commanding Officer. I had policeman ask me to pray with them, saw firefighters accept Christ and rescue workers come to know Jesus. The list of stories could continue.
It was during that week God answered my burning question of his whereabouts on 9-11. Where was God on September 11th? Right where He was 2000 years ago when so called religious fanatics nailed His Son to the cross. God was there and in complete control. God was there watching and the one making sure the usual 50,000 people that were in and around the Trade Center Towers on any given day were a much smaller number. God was there directing flight 77 into the newly re-enforced part of the Pentagon preventing greater loss of life. God was there on Flight 93 above Shanksville, PA where heroes gave their lives to prevent the loss of others. God was there giving orders to His angels who were there to supply protection, He was there pricking the hearts of Americans to come and trust him. He was there as for the first time in years we heard His name prayed in schools, homes, businesses and airwaves across this country. Oh, He was there, He had not been blindsided, God was fully aware and had all things under His control.
Today we remember. We remember those who perished 1 Year ago today. We remember the Heroes. We remember our country and pray for her safety and pray she will turn to God. And yes, we remember our God who knows exactly what He is doing.
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