Here's to the Heroes!

If I asked what you had for supper last Tuesday, you'd probably draw a blank. But if I asked where you were and what you were doing when you got the news the U.S. had been attacked, you could tell me without a moment's hesitation. Am I right?

On that day, people made a vow: WE WILL NEVER FORGET. The Hubs and I watched a documentary about the 9/11 attacks on the History channel this past Tuesday, and while watching the raw footage I experienced the same sense of helplessness and fury that I'd felt the day the Towers fell. Man's in humanity to man... I just don't understand.

Last year on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, our church recognized the heroes of 9/11 with a brief ceremony as part of our Bible school program. I was given the privilege of writing a short honorary piece to read, and my husband (representing the military) along with a police officer and fireman participated. My reading follows...

On September 11, 2001—a Tuesday morning, our nation was shaken from its warm cocoon of security by a series of attacks that forever changed us. The brutality and insensitivity toward human life by those who planned and carried out the attacks permanently marred our country's facade of invincibility.

The terrorists who committed the most terrible act of all—taking innocent blood—got what they wanted: They got their few seconds of fame. They turned the greatest nation in the world upside-down. And for all that, what did they gain? Their own death. You have to admire the irony of the situation. 

But that's not what we remember when we think back to that horrible day. What we do remember is the passion and the sorrow, which flowed so freely throughout our nation. And above all, we remember the bravery and heroic efforts of those who were called into the line of duty to help those in distress. 

Because what makes a hero? A hero is a person who, even though frightened, risks personal safety to help someone else. Many heroes stepped forward on September 11, 2001. Police officers pressed through clouds of ash and smoke to guide frightened people to places of refuge. Firefighters entered burning buildings to rescue those who were injured or trapped. Military personnel went to battle, determined to protect America from further attack and bring those responsible for the terroristic acts to justice.   

And why did they try to protect and save others? Partly because it’s their job. But mostly because they love America. Our nation was founded on the principles of God’s Word, the Bible. A nation which proclaims “in God we trust” is worth protecting.  

Every day in our country heroes walk among us. They deserve our admiration, our respect, and our appreciation. Join me in a round of applause as a small token of thanks for the selfless choices made each day by our heroes.  

Tears blurred my vision when, as a group, the audience rose to its feet and thunderous applause rang for several minutes. Honoring... Appreciating... Remembering...

In this life we encounter situations that hurt us, confuse us, make us angry. We find ourselves up to our elbows in "rubble" and sometimes wonder how we can proceed. For Christians, there is one thing on which we can depend...in the midst of the trial, God is there. He can help us rise above the rubble of our lives and bring us to victory.

I would imagine on that Tuesday morning, God granted strength, peace, and comfort to the heroes scrambling to make sense of the chaos, and I like to think He allowed that beam to remain upright in the pile of shattered rubble as a reminder of His ever-presence. I am forever grateful that no matter what acts the evil-doers in this world perform, my God cannot be shaken from His throne.

May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim