We Will Remember

I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard the news. I couldn't believe what I was told. It was my freshman year of college at GCCC and I had just come out of ENC 1102. I had made the walk down the sidewalk and was enjoying the beautiful morning - like so many other college students. I had a class in just a few minutes and wanted to enjoy the outdoors before being sent back in for another hour.

I noticed a friend from Vernon quickly approaching me. "Sarah, have you heard?" When I answered "no" she went on to tell me that a plane had just flown in to the first tower. I immediately thought that it sounded strange, but I guess it could happen. Planes do crash from time to time. We then went inside our class and she began to tell others in the class all that she had heard on the radio on her way to school that morning. 

The professor came in, quietly. Unusual for her. She went straight to the computer, turned on the projector that was normally used for PowerPoint Presentations about General Psychology during that hour. There was nothing general about the psychological effects that were started that day. She immediately pulled up a live feed and we watched in horror as the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower. We watched in horror as lives were taken, as buildings collapsed. 

School was eventually cancelled for the rest of the day. A high school friend and I had carpooled over that morning, and carpooled home in shock and disbelief. We took the long way home - the Air Force Base that we normally drove through was locked up tight. It's usually a long way home, but when all you can think of is being home with loved ones, the road gets longer.

I think 9/11/01 was God telling America to "Wake up!" People turned and returned to God. They sought answers from Christians. In desperation they cried out.

For two months. I heard it stated even today that within two months after 9/11, church attendance/participation was back to the number it had been before the attack. Two months.

Meanwhile, God is still saying "Wake up!" to our nation and to the world. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Famines, Hurricanes (9 of the costliest hurricanes in history have happened since 9/11), Drought, Fire, and Flood - and these are just the Natural Disasters! We could go on and on about all that's going on in our Economy and our Culture to add to that list!

God says "Wake up!" because so many have fallen back asleep. So many do not see it. So many do not hear His plea to repent and return to Him! He's shaking us to try to get us to wake up and rekindle our first love - Him! Yet so many of them sleep. They've been asleep for 9 years and 10 months. They started drifting back to sleep within two months of the attacks!

 And the convicting part for me? I'm letting some of them sleep. Jesus Christ IS coming back, and time is running short. And I'm letting some of them sleep. 

Oh God, You have convicted my heart tonight. You have reminded me that You not only have a great love for these people, You desire them to turn to You before it's too late. You are seeking them just as You sought me. You have commanded Your children to GO and MAKE disciples, yet so often we sit by waiting to catch a nap ourselves. I ought to be busy working for the time is short! Help me to be bold with Your Word and Your Truth - may I boldly proclaim it to those I come in contact with. May I be one who helps others wake up, repent and run back to the King of kings and Lord of lords!