I woke up with the phone ringing. A phone ringing that early in the morning, is never a good sign. I picked it up afraid that my husband had been in a car accident. He told me to turn on the news, and I did and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I then called my sister's house to tell her and my Dad to turn on the TV. My Dad and Grandpa were visiting us in Washington. I remember her asking me why she needed to turn on the news, and I didn't have the words to describe what was happening. I just told her to turn it on. We were soon all gathered at my house, and watched with disbelief as the events of 9/11 unfolded before our eyes. I didn't send Tyler to school, He was just in Kindergarten, and I wanted all of my kids home with me where I could see them, hug them, and know they were safe. I remember stamping butterflies for a handout like a crazy women, I had to do something, anything, to try to create some order amongst the chaos of emotions I was experiencing. I remember wondering why, why did something like this have to happen.
Today on Facebook, my Aunt Joy shared a note that I wanted to share here. I am sure many people had the same question that day and in the months to come. I have a simple faith, but it brings me much comfort and hope. The note reminded me to remember not only the tragedy, but our hero's and the miracles of that day. I am forever grateful to all of the hero's that day. The first responders, the brave men and women on the plane who fought to save lives. To the people who helped each other on the streets of New York. To everyone who reached out to help their fellow man by offering first aid, water, or even a shoulder to lean on. I remember you all, I will not forget.
"Where is your God today?"
I had a very dear friend question my faith in God right after the terrorist attack on America. Her question was simply put, "Where is your God today?" She was very hurt, as all Americans were, so I tried not to react defensively.
Since that moment I have prayed and grieved over the disastrous events. However, I believe I have the answer. I know where my God was the morning of September 11, 2001! He was very busy.
First of all, he was trying to discourage anyone from taking this flight. Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard.
He was on 4 commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who was called by a loved one on one of the high-jacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the high-jackers.
He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings hold over 50,000 workers, this was a miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the WTC told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.
He was holding up 2-110 story buildings so that 2/3 of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. Although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I can see God's miracles in every bit of it. I keep thinking about my friend and praying for her every chance I have. I can't imagine going through such a difficult time and not believing in God. Life would be hopeless
As I, like most other Americans and people World-Wide, was watching and listening to the horror that took place on the East Coast, I hear many people ask the question posed in the subject line. I was reminded of an interview with a Holocaust survivor that was asked the same question. Her response inspired the following words.
Where was God in all of this? God was in the rescue workers who were running into the buildings as most people were running out. God was in the flight attendant who called her husband as her plane was being hijacked to tell him that she loved him. God was in the two men who carried a wheelchair-bound woman down 70 flights of stairs to safety.
God was in the people who stood bleeding, in line to give blood. God was in the strangers in cars, picking up strangers stranded in the city and taking them home to their families. God is in the people who are begging to volunteer, to do anything to help.
God is in the thousands, if not millions who are flooding blood banks thousands of miles away to help people they have never met. God is in the people who are comforting someone even when they don't know what to say. God is in the people who watched and cried for people who may remain anonymous in name, but never in their sacrifice.
God is in my neighborhood where I see flags waving from every home. God is in the men and women, looking at 110 stories of rubble, and seeing only the opportunity to find survivors.
God is with the heroes, most of whom will never be on the news, whose stories will only be told to their closest friends and family; but who saved someone's mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, husband, wife, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin, lover, colleague, acquaintance, teacher, mentor or friend with a single act of kindness, compassion and bravery.
God was not in the hearts of the people that caused these inhumane events. God was where he was needed the most.
by Weller J. J. Bishopp
I had a very dear friend question my faith in God right after the terrorist attack on America. Her question was simply put, "Where is your God today?" She was very hurt, as all Americans were, so I tried not to react defensively.
Since that moment I have prayed and grieved over the disastrous events. However, I believe I have the answer. I know where my God was the morning of September 11, 2001! He was very busy.
First of all, he was trying to discourage anyone from taking this flight. Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard.
He was on 4 commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who was called by a loved one on one of the high-jacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background. On one of the flights he was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the high-jackers.
He was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade Center. After all only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings hold over 50,000 workers, this was a miracle in itself. How many of the people who were employed at the WTC told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays.
He was holding up 2-110 story buildings so that 2/3 of the workers could get out. I was so amazed that the top of the towers didn't topple when the jets impacted. Although this is without a doubt the worst thing I have seen in my life, I can see God's miracles in every bit of it. I keep thinking about my friend and praying for her every chance I have. I can't imagine going through such a difficult time and not believing in God. Life would be hopeless
As I, like most other Americans and people World-Wide, was watching and listening to the horror that took place on the East Coast, I hear many people ask the question posed in the subject line. I was reminded of an interview with a Holocaust survivor that was asked the same question. Her response inspired the following words.
Where was God in all of this? God was in the rescue workers who were running into the buildings as most people were running out. God was in the flight attendant who called her husband as her plane was being hijacked to tell him that she loved him. God was in the two men who carried a wheelchair-bound woman down 70 flights of stairs to safety.
God was in the people who stood bleeding, in line to give blood. God was in the strangers in cars, picking up strangers stranded in the city and taking them home to their families. God is in the people who are begging to volunteer, to do anything to help.
God is in the thousands, if not millions who are flooding blood banks thousands of miles away to help people they have never met. God is in the people who are comforting someone even when they don't know what to say. God is in the people who watched and cried for people who may remain anonymous in name, but never in their sacrifice.
God is in my neighborhood where I see flags waving from every home. God is in the men and women, looking at 110 stories of rubble, and seeing only the opportunity to find survivors.
God is with the heroes, most of whom will never be on the news, whose stories will only be told to their closest friends and family; but who saved someone's mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, husband, wife, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin, lover, colleague, acquaintance, teacher, mentor or friend with a single act of kindness, compassion and bravery.
God was not in the hearts of the people that caused these inhumane events. God was where he was needed the most.
by Weller J. J. Bishopp
By: Author Tom Baker
1 comment:
Kari how moving and so very true. I love this and will pass it along.
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