Remember

NYC Skyline '99

NYC Skyline '07

I will always remember where I was 6 years ago today. I was a student worker for campus recreation and was working early that day. I was answering the phones upstairs in the offices and doing some paperwork. I answered the phone and it was one of the other staff members calling to tell us about the plane hitting the first building of the World Trade Center. We turned on the television in the conference room and were watching the news stories and pictures when the second plane hit the other building. I remember shock. I didn't know what to think. I finished out my couple of hours and drove back across campus to my dorm. For the next weeks, Emily (roommate) and I were glued to the news. It was all we had on in the dorm. It finally got to the point that we had to make ourselves turn it off. I remember how it felt. Shocked, unbelief, misunderstanding, trying to grasp the severity of it all, hurt, scared, sad.

I also remember how close I grew to the Lord during that time. I never prayed so hard for our country and our president/leaders making decisions on behalf of our nation. My verse that the Lord showed me during that time was John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Thank you Jesus!! I remember the feeling of hope that overtook my fear and uncertainty. I will never understand His ways, but I can always trust that He is in control. He has a plan, even when I cannot see it.

I'm sad to admit that over the years, my commitment to praying for our country and leaders has lessened. As time has passed, I guess I pushed it aside and focused on other things. Now... more than ever... I believe a new commitment must be made to pray for my country.

Mom and I took our first annual girls trip this year. We went to New York City and were able to visit the World Trade Center site. It was humbling. We couldn't even look at each other for fear of bursting into tears as we looked at the pictures and read through the time line of that day. We could never forget that.

mom and I from top of empire state building '99


mom and I from top of empire state building '07