Remembrance: September 11th
My first college essay kept me up until 2AM last night. I woke up at 7AM (devotions first), had breakfast at the cafeteria, and worked on my essay until wing chapel. After wing chapel I worked on my essay until lunch. Immediately following lunch I was down in the library finishing my logic homework and trying to get everything printed out before classes started at 2PM. I was late to Logic class.
With the 10-minutes I had between Logic and Western Civilization I went and reprinted my essay (I had forgotten to put page numbers on it), turned it in, and rushed into Western Civilization with no time to review for the quiz I knew was coming. Then it was dinner time. Then it was time for our weekly basketball game.
Now I’m back in my dorm room getting ready to head to a study group meeting. In so many ways it seems like just another day at college. Except it’s not. Seven years ago today 2,977 Americans lost their lives in the September 11th attacks.
I’m grateful that one of my friends (and fellow freshman), Rebecca Beach, took the initiative to organize a memorial service around the flag pole in front of Founder’s Hall. Last night dozens of PHC students helped her plant 2,977 American flags in the lawn. Before we knew it the President of Patrick Henry College and the mayor of Purcellville had agreed to speak. At 9PM tonight we’ll gather to remember.
Please join us in praying for the families who lost loved ones seven years ago. Join us in praying for our country. Join us as we remember September 11, 2001. We must resolve to never forget. God bless America.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Amen. We must not forget.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Wow. That just sobers me up. Both the description of the college day and the reminder that today is the anniversary of 9/11. My mom has told me the story of a man on one of the planes who called an operator on his cell phone and told her what was going on. She prayed with him and he said some of the men were not just going to sit back and do nothing. They were going to fight. He said he would just leave the cell phone on and to let his wife and family know that he loved them. And then those men on that plane did a very hard thing. They all died.
Whenever I think about that I’m just convicted of how strong a trust in the Lord this man had to be able to do such a thing. Even though he knew that the terrorists had guns, even though he knew he was going to be killed, if not by the guns than by the plane crashing, he did the right thing. I may believe that his soul is in heaven and has no need for my prayers anymore but I will still pray. I’ll pray that we can be that strong, that as teens and adults we can have such faith in the Lord in everything we do. I’ll pray for our future and not just our past. Glory be to God.
Andi
September 11th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I will be praying at 9pm tonight then, too.
In so many ways am I proud of how our country has responded and
remembered 9-11.
Jean Marie
September 11th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
It is so easy to forget the impact of this day as we go about our duty filled lives, especially when one that follows a hectic college schedule. Thank you for the reminder. I pray that all Americans remember, and continue to pray for those families and friends who are no doubt still grieving thier losses. May God heal our land.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
It is amazing how well so many people will remember a single moment in their lives that is often of no importance, but only seven years after these attacks, we have a democrat looking for the President’s office who wants to remove our military force from Iraq, and allow the terrorists to bring the war to American shores once they have breathing room. America, as a whole, has nearly forgotten 9/11.
Many people often look at this horrendous event in our country’s history and ask, “How would a loving God…”, and then then look at the Christians and ask them to answer that question. It is with heavy heart that I say that most Christians don’t understand how the question is to be answered. This event was indeed decreed by God before the foundations of the earth and was given as a reminder to Americans that we are mortal men and not sovereign gods. Only God alone is sovereign, and He has the right to kill me in my sleep for all of my horrid rebellion and iniquity that I have committed against Him alone.
I will never forget this day, nor the great sacrifices our military heroes have made to protect these shores, and, to be perfectly honest, I think that we need another 9/11 to remind many Americans that God is sovereign and man is but dust in the wind.
In Christ,
Matt from Solus Cristus
September 11th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Amen! May God heal our land. Alex and Brett, we are all so excited for you and for the way you have helped us to change our lives. Please keep being faithful and get some sleep. God is with you!
J
September 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I’ll be praying for you guys and yes, we must never forget this day.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I have to point out to you, like as Matt said (in the first reply) some people might ask, “How would a loving God let thing happen?”, but as Christians we must remember that our God is holy and knows exactly what is going on here on Earth. We must remember that although this was a horrible event, that God has, and always had, a bigger and better plan over all. Now look at this, 911 was horrible and a day to remember but it also made our country grow very strong. This is a day that we can set aside our differences and pray for the people affected by this, together. And for that I think we should praise the Lord. Our God is holy, and there is not one single thing that happens in this world that is not already written in His book. Praise be to God!
In Christ,
Emily
September 11th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Amen, we must not forget. (And Emily, you are right on!)
2AM? Ouch…
September 11th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
“I will never forget this day, nor the great sacrifices our military heroes have made to protect these shores, and, to be perfectly honest, I think that we need another 9/11 to remind many Americans that God is sovereign and man is but dust in the wind.”
That disgusts me in ways I never thought possible. Rambling session about the evil democrats trying to destroy America and Christians not understanding God’s vengeance, then state that America needs another few thousand innocent people off’d for everyone to get the point.
9/11 was a horrible event, the worst attack on American soil in history, but what might just as bad is the memory of these innocent people being used to justify war with Iraq and hate within our own boarders. I have a hard time believing that anything the West has done in Iraq since WWI serves a higher purpose than human politics, certainly not tearing down the same dictatorship the CIA practically established to begin with, and definitely not putting the blame on Saddam when the real threat escaped to somewhere in Palestine. Is this the kind of thing Jesus would have had in mind? Exploitation of the dead to justify vengeance killing? Racial profiling and hate crimes? Our own government lying to us to make us fear and hate an entire country and everyone in it?
9/11 may have served a higher purpose, but some pig in a suit sending our soldiers to “fight terrorism” (i.e. further an agenda) does not. This is a greater expression of the evils of humanity than what actually took place seven years ago.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
so say I
September 11th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
And I want to say again, as I am sure some will question me later on, the events of 9/11 were a horrible strain on my body, mind and soul. I was not near any of the planes, and no relatives or dear friends of mine died in the attack. I don’t even pretend to understand the emotional trauma of being someone in one of those planes, or being in one of those towers as it fell. I will always wonder why it had to happen, and I feel deeply for all of those affected by the attacks. It is not and never was my intention to take anything away from what happened to those poor people, or their relations. That I question the motives of our government on everything related to these attacks has everything to do with respecting and honoring the memories of these innocent people, and nothing to do with attacking others.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Wow!!! I almost forgot about what today’s date is!!! I remember that day. Mom came into my room and opened my curtain slowly. I could tell she was upset about something because she wouldn’t look at me. She told me about what had happened and then at first wouldn’t let me watch the news but then she did… those images won’t ever leave my mind. I will be praying for the families of 9/11 victims and also for those families and those overseas at war now for our freedom. God Bless America. Moving on… 2AM GOOD GRIEF!!! You sound like you’re my dads type personality wise… my dad always put his papers in JUST in the nick of time… sometimes 5 minutes before due!!! He drove mom crazy during his time at Seminary because he would always ask her to help him type them out 3 hrs before time!!!! I’m happy to say they are still married and just celebrated their 30th anniversary. I also read the blog post before this one. I am not sure which Harris twin wrote this now blog entry but both of you I want you to know that I am praying for you- spiritually, physically and emotionally (I think I should also add MENTALLY… you might need it) Your Sis In Christ, Anna H.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
that is so awesome that you are able to join with all of your colleagues to pray. our god ordained that the planes crash 7 years ago. our god ordained that children lost their fathers, wives their husbands, husbands their wives, fathers their children, yet, all of our trust is in the Lord. “Whatever my God ordains is right. In his love I am abiding” (from Steven Altrogee’s Cd) “All things work together for the good of those who love God.” let this be our hope.
God bless the families that lost loved ones.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Wow. So reading this brings back crazy memories. I am one of those people who forgot it was 9-11 until about 3 today. I don’t know anybody who was there, or who was involved. I live all the way across the country. I was 9 when it happened, but I still remember that morning perfectly. I remember asking my mom how they were going to get the people in the top of the building out. I didn’t get it at the time. What had happened. It’s strange how even though I had no idea what was going on, I totally knew something huge had just happened. Now I’m sitting here reading everybody’s comments and thinking, “You think we need another 9-11?!?” I find that.. strange. First of all I don’t think that God wanted it to happen. God obviously knows everything that is ever going to happen, and he allows it all to happen. Does that mean he wants it to happen? I would say the answer to that is no. Thousands of innocent people died, and you want it to happen again? That’s just crazy to me. Yes, God can bring good out of anything, and I think he did bring good out of a horrible situation, but the thought of it happening again is horrible. Wanting it to happen again is… sad.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Amen…thanks for the remembrance
PS) Persevere in you classes buddy! Fight sinful distractions as Pilgrim Christian fought Appolyon.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Thanks for the reminder! Here’s a poem I wrote a year ago, concerning 9/11. I posted this in some popular spots on my college campus:
“Tribute To 9/11″
Tuesday, September 11th, 2001.
We were not prepared for this day—we were stunned!!!
Men from the Middle East flew to the U.S.
And killed 3,000 people for whom they couldn’t care less!
Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York,
It was early in the morning when people were at work.
Going about their business as they usually do,
Planning to go home that night to their families—nothing new!
Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, there was another hijacked plane.
Headed for the White House, we think, ready to cause death and pain.
But then, one man, Todd Beamer, led the others and stopped those evil men,
And they dove into a cornfield instead!
Then, yet another plane crashed into the Pentagon,
Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital is where it was done!
The Pentagon would surely need to be built back up.
All three locations in ONE day—when would it stop!?
SO much death it brought this nation to its knees!
In prayer and devotion requesting to see
Why SUCH a devastating thing could happen to us!
Taking away Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters and such!
All of a sudden, everyone prayed to someone,
Lit candles and posted pictures of family and friends who were gone.
They were praying that maybe they are just missing not dead,
That they’ll be found alive and well, not gone for good as was said.
Men and women were seen jumping from the 110 story tall buildings.
Hoping they will come out alive—and escape this mass killing.
While others (if not trying to get out) didn’t stop and stare,
But, were running from the fire and smoke that filled the air!
I remember that tragic morning for us all!
We had all woken up as usual, and then we got a call.
Dad had already left for work that day,
When his boss called and said, “Go home! We’re closed because of those planes.”
When Dad had left, he told us to check the news on TV.
He said, “Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center Towers just now, you see.”
So we checked the news. Mom started to cry.
I felt like perhaps I should too, but I didn’t fully understand why.
It was a TRAGIC day for the U.S.A., although,
I was only eleven and a half years old, not realizing why that was so.
I wished I’d understood more about it all.
What were the Pentagon and the twin towers so tall?!
Many blamed our President for it all.
Saying, “You knew this would happen, that America would fall!”
But he didn’t and couldn’t know.
And if he had, there wouldn’t have been such a big blow!
Osama Bin Laden planned it all!
Told others to die, and for Islam, to make America fall.
But we didn’t fall, no way!
We rose up—TOGETHER—and God willing united this way we will stay!
Sure we were hurt VERY badly.
Even now we mourn and bow our heads sadly!
As a result of this, we went to war.
We will not allow this! It’s continued freedom we fight for!
It’s not only freedom for America that we fight for.
But also for Afghanistan, Iraq and more.
Some say we’re not doing any good overseas.
But now, all children can go to school and women are free!
Now don’t get me wrong here.
They still have problems over there!
But, so do we;
Concerning problems, no place is free!
But please take notice now,
Ever since the day with dark clouds,
We haven’t had another 9/11…why???
Thanks to the President and our God on high!
Always do remember to thank our veterans, please!
They risk their lives and the attacks on them, they never cease.
Whether past or present, they served their country well.
Even when spit upon, like in coming back from Vietnam…so they tell.
Now let me close…
Don’t EVER forget those,
The innocent ones who all went up to the Heavens
Before their time, on 9/11!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shalom!
September 11th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Yes, we must not forget. Yesterday, it was September 11 here in the Philippines. I was discussing TIME magazine issues with my classmate when we halted so suddenly. We paused and I said, “It’s 9/11.” My classmate and I were thinking of the same thing.
Even if we’re not American, we felt fear. How could anyone dare to do such a thing to a powerful country?
I was 12 when 9/11 happened and I could never forget the fear it caused in our country. Rebels became braver and they are still now.
Praying for the families of 9/11 victims,
~Christin A.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Since there seems to be a discussion here about thinking we need another “9/11″ vs. never wanting it to happen again… may I add a few thoughts?
I was 15 on Sept. 11, 2001 and I remember it as an awful tragedy. The way I found out was my mom was out running errands and she had the radio on and they were talking about the attacks, and she also noticed that flags were at half-mast, so she called me and told me to turn on the news and see if I could find out exactly what was going on. When I turned on the news, the reporters were saying that a plane had struck one of the World Trade Center towers.
As the reporters were talking about what had happened, they had live footage showing in the background of the building smoldering and smoking. As they were talking about it, trying to figure out what kind of plane had struck or something, I watched this plane come across the screen and hit the other tower. At first I thought, in a few confused seconds, that they could be replaying what had happened, but then the news people on TV turned around and saw what had happened, and were completely shocked. Another plane had hit.
I, unfortunately, but perhaps fortunately, caught the “unedited” live coverage of what was happening. I saw the people waving white “flags” of some sort from the buildings, asking for someone to rescue them. I saw the people jumping out the the buildings when they thought hope was lost. I saw the reporters and news people start crying as they were reporting because they couldn’t believe what was happening. I remember waiting, with the rest of America, after they had said there was nothing they could do and that the buildings were coming down, unable to believe that nothing could be done for these thousands of people who were about to die. I remember the footage of the people frantically searching the streets of New York City for loved ones, asking questions of every passerby, because they didn’t know if they had escaped in time and survived — and I remember thinking how awful it would be to not know.
And, after it all, I remember the pictures of the children attending the funerals of their parents that were in the newspaper over the next several weeks.
I never want anything like that to happen again. I remember it well — and I didn’t even experience its real horrors, its real losses. I do not want another “9/11.” 2,977 people died. 2,977 people who God lovingly created and formed that they might know Him and His Love. 2,977 people worth so much to our Creator that He gave His Son to die so that they might live. I don’t ever want that to happen again.
But I fear that our country has let those lives perish in vain. I believe that God allowed the terrorist attacks to turn our hearts to Him — to cause us to see what’s really important (consider: for about 2 weeks after, there was no news on celebrity “heroes,” but instead, news on real heroes), to cause us to join together and pray for our fellow citizens’ safety and freedom, to cause us to get on our knees, turn our hearts to God, and cry out on behalf of this country that He would help us and give us the courage to do what is necessary so that such a tragedy would never happen again.
But I do fear that it will happen again. If we had done all that, and continued to do all that for our country and fellow citizens, then greater tragedies would not be still happening daily. Over 4,000 children die within their mothers’ womb each day. Each of the 4,000 children no less valuable than the individual 2,977 lives that perished in the terrorist attacks — just more innocent.
I weep that such a tragedy as the terrorist attacks would happen again. But would it not be justice for God to allow our innocent to die, for terror to come in on a peaceful day, and steal their lives without warning or mercy? “Our land is sacred!” one is inclined to cry out — for we are, after all, a Christian nation. But do we not allow God’s innocent ones, His precious treasures to die, for unfathomable terror to come in and disturb their peaceful rest, and steal their lives without warning or mercy? Did our country not legalize making the most sacred of earthly places, a mother’s womb, a killing ground?
Yes, we are pro-life. But what have we done to stop the deaths? Have we done what we can? Could we look a holocaust survivor in the eye and tell them that we have done and are doing all that we can to stop this holocaust of holocausts? Why should God step in and protect our innocent when we do not step in and protect His? Is He not a God of Justice?
Imagine there is a threat of “9/11″ happening again. 2,977 people will die.
I encourage you to pray as you would, speak as you would, act as you would for the many, many more children who will most assuredly die tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the day after that… if we do not pray, speak, act. And may God have mercy on us.
CRY ACTION!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
My dad was watching a little bit of a TV reenactment of flight 93 earlier. People were using the airplane telephones to call their loved ones. The shocking reality is nearly impossible to imagine. What if one of the people you love called you today, telling you their plane had been hijacked by terrorists? It makes me want to cry. But I know God had a bigger picture in mind, which no one can understand. Only He knows the thoughts of His heart.
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
Perhaps this is one of the reasons why God allowed this to happen — so that “many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD,” and so that we can “sing a hymn of praise to our God.” We are reminded, as Matt said, that He is sovereign. Almighty is our God!
“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
The Creator of the universe loves us, and will always protect us, no matter what happens. He has not promised no hardships would come, but rather that He would walk with us no matter what.
It reminds me of a father and his son walking together. If the son trips and falls, the father won’t always stop him. Why? Maybe to teach him to look where he is going. Although the son will fall, the father will reach out his hand to help the son up again. And so it is with us, and the tragedy of 9/11. We grieve so desperately, but we can be assured that He is grieving with us.
“But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I refrain, it does not go away. ” Job 16:5-7 (NIV)
There are always going to be trials and hurts, but He will always, always bear them with us. That’s His promise. And when we fall, He’ll be standing there, holding out His hand for us to take.
Let us remember the brave heroes who gave their lives for others. Also, let us trust that God has a plan, and that His picture is so much bigger than ours will ever be.
Thank you, Lord!
September 12th, 2008 at 2:29 am
May I request that we do not spoil this with politics for once? This blog post was very appriorate, so could we keep the comments off the debate about the war on/with terrorism in Iraq and elsewhere? Thank you.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:23 am
When I woke up yesterday morning, one of my roommates had the news on. It was showing the many ceremonies occuring. My first class that morning was Political Science 1101 (American Government). Naturally, my professor brought it up within five minutes of class starting. In spite of this, what day it was slipped my mind again until hours later. This was a beautiful and timely piece. I have never forgotten where I was that day. And I will never forget the images that I saw as 9/11 unfolded. Thank you.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I agree with Roy: 9-11 will always be an emotional strain for me due to the close proximity of my father to the attack on the Pentagon and the military service of several family and church members (all but one came home safely). However, October 2003 held more fear for me *personally*. That was the time of the sniper attacks here in Maryland. It didn’t get much national publicity, but it really turned the whole state upside-down. It got especially nerve-wracking once they started going after kids my age.
As a side note: I highly, highly, highly recommend “Let’s Roll” by Lisa Beamer. Todd Beamer was the one who organized the take-over attempt aboard United Flight 93, the plane that went down in Penn State. It gave me chills when I read it!
September 12th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Here in Texas, we’ve been so busy preparing for Hurricane Ike that we forgot that yesterday even was 9-11. It sort of reminds me of our christian lives in the way that our circumstances have a way of consuming our thoughts to the point where we can’t see beyond what’s happening in our own lives. We cannot let things consume us to the point where we don’t remember those around us who in this case are hurting and greiving the loss of a friend or family member. Don’t become so consumed with your problems to the point where you can no longer hear God speaking.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:14 am
David Daniel: Thanks, bro. I agree. =)
September 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Praying too…
God bless!
September 12th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I didn’t at all mean to be political — and I hope I didn’t come across that way. I don’t even like politics. I just wanted to say, what a horrible tragedy this was, and to remember it well, I think we need to step out as heroes against the terror attacking our fellow citizens today, and thus honor the lives of the innocent who perished. Many, many lives were lost. Let us remembering them cause us to move forward and do something right so that no more will perish.
I pray we see the day of a peaceful America, unified as one nation, under God, that provides freedom and safety for all within its borders and is worthy of the lives it cost to become such a blessed, beautiful country.
Let us be true patriots of our King and for our country, this day and every day.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I agree with Nicole. NO MORE 9/11′S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One was bad enough. I remember that day. I was only six. I heard this great explosion sound. It sounded a bit like I-beams dropping from a crane. My mom thought it was just construction on I-95, and we thought little more of it. Until our friend called us and told us to turn on the news. When we turned on the TV, we realized what had happened. That great sound wasn’t falling beams or any thing like that. It had been an airplane crashing into the Pentagon. We saw footage of the burning Pentagon, and of the Twin Towers, smoldering. Footage of people panicking in the streets, of people injured by the explosions or falling debris. Footage of many fire trucks trying to put the fire out at the Pentagon. Some of my friends and my mom’s friends were in the Pentagon when the plane hit. I think all of them were supposed to be in the side of the building which the plane hit. God rearranged their schedules so they would not be in that side, and today they are very much alive. Thanks God! I hope and pray that 9/11 will never happen again. One 9/11 was bad enough. Let us never forget those who died that day. And let us never forget those who would have, if God had not dumped His grace on them. This summer, I went to Mexico with one of my friends who was in the Pentagon. I am very thankful for him. He was the life of the party. He couldn’t have been if he was dead.
Thank you God!!
September 12th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Sydney, that was a really good poem. It said everything that needed to be said. You should publish it. I think that poem was the best way to describe 9/11.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Everyone is so right. We must never forget.
And I agree as well, let’s leave politics out of this!
September 12th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Sydney,
I loved your poem! It made me cry so hard. Daniel Hayes is right, you should publish it!
September 12th, 2008 at 10:46 am
My heart goes out to all the family’s who lost their loved ones that day. Though on that day and now my heart is especially grieved for the ones who faced God as judge for their sins, including 2,977 murders.
As to the other debate, as to another catastrophe in our nation or not, I do not believe that that is something we should hope for. It is not for us to dictate to God what course of action would best bring Him glory in the earth. It is not our place to tell God that He must judge now, He will judge in His time. God has ordained a season of mercy, when those who sinned against Him may flee to Christ and receive mercy. During this season of mercy He, in His wisdom, does allow evils we don’t understand and Just punishments. But these punishments are not for His church to demand or execute. Let us be His ambassadors of mercy.
September 12th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Daniel H. and Emily P.:
I wouldn’t know where to publish it. Thanks for your kind comments though. If you have some, I’m all ears.
Shalom!
September 12th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Correction:
If you have some suggestions where to publish the poem, I’m all ears.
Oops!
Shalom!
September 12th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Sydney:
I’m sorry I don’t know where you could publish your poem. I will keep my ears open though and if I find anything out I will let you know.
By the way I am new to the rebelution and a total dunce at computers. Can anyone explain to me how to put my writing in bold and how to put in those cute little smiley faces? I’d really appreciate it.
God Bless!
September 12th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
It’s a hard thing to say, but I believe God used, and is using 9/11 to bring America back to Him. He’s the only one that can make beauty rise from ashes.
May God move through the broken, humble hearts of countless Christians to work revival across our nation.
Tears and prayers.
Noella
September 12th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Noella,
You are absolutely right. God did use 9/11 to bring people back to him. Unfortunately though, when things like this happen, poeple will go to church and say they are christians for a while but then slowly go back to their old lives. It makes me wonder if their convertions were really sincere. I am not saying that none of them were real. Many people did become christians. But we should all be praying that our Lord sends another such revival, just without the tragedy.
God Bless
Sarah
September 12th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Wow, that sobered me up. I’m so thankful to live in America.
I prayed last night at 9. It was an amazing experience.
On a side note–
I’m praying for you guys in college.
September 12th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
God used 9/11, but I think it’s pretty awful to say that we need another one (sorry).
I read an article on Thursday about the memorial service they had in New York. On the surface, it looked great, but then they interviewed a man whose wife had worked in one of the towers. He said, “We kept it alive, and perhaps kept it alive too long. How many times do you reopen the wounds?”
This is something that affected the entire country. It changed us. It gave some of us bitterness; it gave some of us hope; but it gave a lot of people grief beyond what most of us can understand. How can we dare to say that we need another one? You go to New York, look Charles Wolf in the eye, and then tell him that you wish more people would die like his wife.
God can bring good out of anything, and He did so with 9/11, but to wish for another one is not loving toward your fellow man. It’s not merciful toward your fellow man. Think about it.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Yes. I just started college this year, and I know how hectic that schedule can be. I sometimes wonder how I will survive. I was running around everywhere yesterday rapped up in getting my intro to ministry report in. I had forgot what day it was until about mid-day. Just thinking about all the men and women who have died just so I can go to college, it makes me wish I would complain less about the work load and be a little more appreciative of the fact that I can have one of those busy, spiritually and mentally growing days.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
We must never forget that day. We must never forget there is an evil bigger than our own personal, daily problems. There are people who hate Americans. There are Americans who suffer because of that hate. There are people who hate Christians. There are Christians who suffer DAILY because of that hate. There are families grieving for their lost loved ones. There are soldiers dying, wondering if their family and friends will ever know how much they are loved. There are people who have to call the families and tell them that their son, daughter, wife, husband, cousin, grandchild, niece, nephew, mother, or father is dead; they will never see them again.
We must also never forget that we DO have a loving God who can see all of this the moment it happens. You may ask, “How could a loving God allow this?” I am going to answer you now: We don’t have to know why. Only God can see the big picture, because he painted it. He knows where each tear and drop of blood falls into place. He will do it His way, on His time, for His purpose. Because He is GOD. The creation can’t fully understand the Creator. It’s our job to trust Him that He knows what He’s doing.
He is GOD, so let Him be GOD.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
One more thing, I think a lot of us need a reality check. I realize that a lot of people never want another “9/11.” You know what? This is just the beginning. Before it can get better, it’s got to get a lot worse. If you believe that the Bible is true, that you cannot disagree with this conclusion. If you disagree, please think again. Search the Word and find what it says. The Bible also says that God will be faithful. He is not going to stand by and watch the world go by and say, “oh, another person died, how sad.” NO! He’s going to be there for His children. He is going to defeat Death.
September 12th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Amen, amen, amen. We must never forget.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Sarah Pena: To put text in bold, you enclose the text in this at the begining and this at the end. For italics you do the same, only with an “i” instead of a “b”. For some smily faces you can put : and then ), and you’ll get
Or you can put ; and then ) and you’ll get 
or you can put : and then D, and you’ll get :D. Those are just a few, but I hope that helps!!!
~Sadie
September 13th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Ugh, sorry Sarah. My bold example just turned bold……not help to you in figuring it out!
What I was trying to say is that if you want your text to turn bold, at the begining you’ll put , and at the end you’ll put , and it should become bold. Sorry, I’m no expert at computers either. 
September 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Urh! Sorry, Sarah, and sorry, Alex and Brett. My bold example will not co-operate today! Does any other computer-savvy person know how to do it right?
September 13th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Begin bold text:
End bold text:
For italics, insert “i” in place of “b”. For smileys, start with : then add ) =
or ; in place of : for 
or D in place of ) for 
Hope that helps.
~J.N.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
uh oh. Let’s try again for bold.
to start a bold put: 1.)
to end bold text put: 1.)
again, insert “i” for italics, and (I don’t know if it works on this site) “u” for underlining
~J.N.
September 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Sorry doesn’t work, Sarah.
September 13th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
To get bold and italics you go like this - [ i ] and [ /i ] only without the spaces. For [b]bold[/b] you use a B and for [u]underline[/u] you use a U like J.N. said. *disclaimer* If anything I just wrote doesn’t work it’s not my fault!
September 13th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
LOL! Okay, never mind. Forget that. I was wondering if it really would work.
It’s not the same as the other site I post on apparently… Sorry about that. 
September 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
That’s great there was a service. At my school, it was just an ordinary day. That was a little strange; they make a big deal about a lot of other events.
You need to get more sleep. Even I get more than that, and I’m constantly coming up short.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
[b]Sadie, J.N, RBMA,[/b]
Thanks again!
Sarah
September 13th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Sorry!!! I did it wrong again! Only the last happy face showed up. My brother just walked by and said, “Why are you using brackets?” Oops! So, lets try this again.
Sadie, J.N, RBMA,
Thanks so much!
Sarah
September 13th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
It worked!
Thanks!
Sarah.
September 14th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Sydney, what a touching poem. Thank you, and God bless.
September 14th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
It was very sad. It was my cousins 6th birthday when it happend. She says she remembered every one was crying. On the news I watched the attack, I cried
A poem I wrote about it:
one plane,
two plane,
three plane four,
one more plane fell , life no more.
September 14th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Thanks guys for posting. I remember. September 11 would have also been Mom and Dad’s 25th wedding anniversary this year. So, for 2 reasons; but yes, I remember.
September 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Remember September when thousands died, person by person was trapped inside……
September 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I was in sixth grade, and had only been in middle school for about a week when the World Trade Center was hit. We were all called in to meet as large groups with our guidance counselors. At least ten people from my town died that day. Fathers, uncles, basketball coaches, neighbors - gone. Kids I’d grown up with had lost part of themselves. My next-door neighbor suffered from shock after having seen people jump from the burning towers. One of my classmates’ fathers who worked near the towers walked into an athletic store, bought a bike, and biked all the way out to the suburbs to his family, because he thought the entire city was being attacked. My camp friend’s father carried a woman down the stairs and out of the building. My mom decided to go to a conference on the twelfth instead of the eleventh, everyone at that meeting died. My dad was on the phone with men from his office, trapped inside.
I was very affected by September 11, 2001. Those are just a few of the stories I can tell. I remember it a little bit every time the time reads 9:11, every time a politician mentions the word to justify some action. That sort of heinous crime is just that: a heinous crime. It is not a justification for anything but helping your neighbors, but making sure that you tell the people in your life that you love them, but living each day of your life as hard and honestly as you can.
September 14th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I know that message was rather… sobering. So I just want to explain the end. In the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center, my community and the other communities in the New York Metropolitan area came together in a stunning show of support. There were blood drives, food drives, fire trucks - everything that could be contributed to the effort to help New York was given. And what upsets me even more than this terrible trauma being used to justify hate, is that this stunning show of unity and pride in one’s country was used to drum up support for more violence.
Hammurabi’s “eye for an eye” is a primitive code of law, and one that breeds a cycle of hate and violence. It is not an appropriate legacy for the many innocents killed on September eleventh.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Alex & Bret, everybody, over SIX THOUSAND people died September 11th 2001. Why are we only mourning the deaths of three thousand? The others were aborted children. EVERY DAY around 3,600 abortions take place in our country. As a nation we are killing off more of our own children every day than died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Since abortion was made legal in 1973, over 48 million pre-born babies have been aborted. That is approximately the entire population of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and Utah.
That, is sobering. Think about it, please. And then do something.
Bethany
September 15th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Thanks for the encouragement to do great things. It’s amazing what we can do if we just will.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
wow bethany, that was great what you said about the abortions. i was just like, yikes, that is so amazing, and sad. i wish people would realize how wrong that is.
September 15th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I hope you guys have a wonderful experience at college! And no, we can’t forget 9/11. My dad is 99.9% positive he saw the plane that landed in the field in PA. God bless you both!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
And if everyone here is a Christian first and American second, there are over 30,000 children dying of malaria and starvation in Africa and other areas of the world. Not a day goes by without innocent people dying horrible deaths.
September 15th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Bethany-
Thank you so much for speaking up about what I have wanted to hear from someone else for a long time. Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. Perhaps this is a new project for rebelutionaries to begin, or continue, if some already have.
September 15th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I would like to add a caution to a few people. I certainly agree that it is horrible the number of children dying because of abortion, malaria, starvation, war, and other things. Those are tragedies, and should be mourned as such, and should definitely be targets for our efforts to improve the world.
However.
This is a post about 9/11. We cannot save the world all at once; we cannot right every wrong; we cannot grieve over every death in this world every moment. We are human, with the limited emotional, mental, and physical properties appertaining thereto. Here, now, we primarily remember 9/11. But keep in mind: staying on topic with the post does not mean that we are forgetting other causes.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
i remember 9/11, even though i was just 7. I don’t remember too much, but i do know that we were in Hawaii. That morning, i woke up and did my usual routine, starting with a shower in my mom and dads room. When i went in there, i saw a picture of a tower falling. Being a 7 year old, i over looked that as a part of a movie my mom and dad didn’t want me to see. Later, as we were leaving out the parking garage and my mom told me that a the world trade center had callapced. Since i was little, i didn’t think of it as that serious a problem. then my mom told me how many people had died. I was pretty scared and afraid that people would come to Hawaii to do the same thing. One thing i remember is when my family prayed for the victums and there family, while we were still in the parking garage waiting in line. I just wanted to say that we are praying.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Bethany T., I hope nobody reading your post had lost somebody on September 11. Look, abortion is bad, but comparing it to 9-11 is in bad taste. You would rightly support a war that defends American lives, but you should have a problem putting soldiers in harm’s way if they were dying in defending the life of a zygote. If your dad were to die, you probably wouldn’t want me comparing his death to some random junior high school girl’s abortion. If a building is burning down and you could only save some embryos in a test tube or a live newborn baby, you probably wouldn’t have to stop and think, “which one should I save?”.
As far as fetus-death goes, there are thousands of miscarriages every day too. Should we include them too in your death-count? Abortion and miscarriages are frightful, but not every dead zygote, fetus, sperm, egg, embryo and blastocyst deserves its own name, funeral, and gravestone.
September 16th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Guys, please just stop arguing, ok?
Politicizing 9/11 is just….impolite and insensitive to the family members of people who died or who were there.
My dad was in the Pentagon when it hit. Thankfully he was on the opposite side, but you know what? If the plane had not hit the ground before it crashed into the Pentagon, it would have settled on top and my dad might not have made it out. He had a broken foot.
We lived only five miles from the Pentagon, and I can remember smelling smoke. I remember the horror on my mom’s face when my dad’s parents called and told her what was happening. I remember watching the news….
My dad never talks about it, but I know it affected him deeply that he made it out when so many others didn’t.
If you want to talk about abortion, do it on your blogs or through email. If you want to do something, go here: http://www.liveactionfilms.org I heard Lila Rose (the president of Live Action) speak, and I talked to her; I could hardly believe she’s only twenty! What she is doing is a great way for other young people to get involved.
Just please don’t argue anymore, ok? It hurts me, and I’m sure it does other people too.
~Ericka
September 16th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Jer178Rebelutionary A.K.A. Ericka I totally agree. Bitter, insulting arguments on here hurt everyone who reads them, and I am sure that Alex and Brett didn’t intend a debate about abortion whan they made this post. So let’s please keep on acting Rebelutionary to each other!
September 16th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Michelle: I agree with everyone who has said that this post is not the place to debate over abortion. With that said, as the authors of this blog, Brett and I also have a responsibility to not let comments go unanswered that we believe are potentially misleading and harmful.
The value of a human life is not dependent on its perceived value or emotional attachment. If I were forced to choose between my father’s life and your father’s life, I would be strongly inclined to choose my father. Does that make his life any more valuable than your dad’s? Absolutely not. We don’t get to decide the value of a human life. All human life is valuable — and the standard is God’s, not ours.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Hi Alex!
Thanks for your reply. I hope I didn’t disrespect your website. My sincere apologies if I did. September 11 is a sensitive issue for me, and in the news people make light of it all the time, and it really upsets me. I didn’t mean to start any trouble. I’ll excuse myself from this thread. Hope college is going great for you
September 18th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
The College Republicans at my school, UW-Milwaukee, also set up flags to commemorate 9-11. They had chalk availble for students to write on the pavement any remembrances they had of that day. I am thankful that people are still honoring the people that lost their lives that day and the people who worked so hard in the rescue efforts. It is truly a day that no American should ever forget.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I would like to say ‘thank you’ to our troops who are in harms way continuing to fight for us. A big ‘thank you’ also to the families of the troops–I pray for you all daily! You are not forgotten.
[DO NOT start an argument about the war. Whether you agree with it or not, our troops deserve our thanks. Period.]
September 20th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
This is definitely a day to remember. I wrote a big rememberance piece about it for my blog as well. So many lives lost…so many sacrifices made. Now, more than ever, we need to pray for this country. God bless America.
September 21st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
The Star-Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light
Whas so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and brisght stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that Starspangled Banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfullu blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream;
‘Tis the Starspangle Banner, oh, long may it wave,
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
And where is that band, who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of homes and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution;
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of fight, or the gloom of the grave;
And the Starspangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation;
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n'rescued land
Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be our motto, “In God is our trust!”
And the Starspangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
September 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
REBECCA BEACH!!! WOW. This is my first time reading your blog and I was scrolling down and all a sudden I saw her name. That’s SUCH a coincidence that you know her. She’s my long time best friend’s older sister. I miss her :(. I was reading your book this past week; my youth pastor gave it to me. That was why I was looking up your website. I like your ideas–they’re very motivating. SAY HI TO REBECCA FOR ME!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I know this was originally posted several weeks ago, but I feel like I should say something, even if no one is going to read it.
Firstly, I definitely agree that this is NOT the place to be discussing abortion and politics.
Secondly, about the whole “needing another 9/11″ thing that was posted way, way back…I partially agree. Of course, I don’t want another 9/11…who would? Who would want to witness another horrific event like the tragedies of September 11th? Who would want yet another gruesome disaster forever effecting our lives? Not me. Not anyone I know.
But…have you ever heard that song, Bring The Rain, by MercyMe? It is a beautiful song, read these lyrics from the chorus…
“I know there’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain”
Doesn’t that just hit home?
Basically, what I’m saying is this:
If another 9/11 is what it takes to bring us to our knees crying out to Him, realizing His glory and our own insignificance compared to Him, then Christ, bring it.
September 26th, 2008 at 6:29 am
First off Kate I agree with you, I don’t WANT another 9-11 or Great Depression or World War, but if that is what it will take for us to reilize God’s Almighty Power then that’s what we need to pray for.
I was actually going through some emotionall stresson 9-11. I was on Dauphin Island, AL and we were all scared that Ike (the hurricane) was going to hit us, we had been praying all week that God would turn the storm away from us and God answered our prayers! But, even though He adverted the storm, the flooding was so bad that we had to evacuate the Island. What was in the back of my mind the intire time was that what I was going through was nothing that the people in NY had to go through, it gave me a whole new perspective of God’s power and grace.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
wow. at our school we didn’t even have a moment of silence. right now i am reading your boo do hard things. i regret not talking to the dean about not having at least a moment of silence.=[.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I am glad someone remembered and respected 9/11 for what it was. I think alot of people have forgotten what it was. Over 2000 innocent people were killed in one day…I personally haven’t forgot.One of my best friends was killed in Iraq fighting the same group of people that did that.I know that Iraq is a cotroversial issue and I don’t want this blog to turn into a disscussion on whether or not it was right but in my opinion, if we weren’t over there right now we might have a lot more attacks like 9/11 . I just hope ppl don’t forget why we’re fighting and why we need to remember 9/11 forever.
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