Remembering

Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. We all remember where we were that day and the feelings we felt as we saw the horrible events transpire. I recall the outpouring of love, faith, and prayers that occurred throughout the country in the days and weeks afterward. It seemed that in our darkest moment as a country, we stood together as never before and jointly lifted our prayers, asking God for His divine comfort and help.

Unfortunately, human nature sets in over time and most of us, at least those not directly affected by the events on 9/11, get back to our normal lives. We pray a little less, we rely on ourselves more and more, and we neglect to love others well with each passing day. I encourage you to spend a few minutes thinking about how this is true in your life, and identify what actions you should take to change the trend.

There are thousands of people, however, who have not gotten back to “normal” life pre-9/11. Nor will they ever. These people lost a mom, a dad, their spouse, a friend, a son or daughter, an employee, a beloved church member.

Today, as the Body of Christ, let’s call to God on behalf of those who endured loss and must bear the pain of 9/11. Let’s pray as Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus:

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19