On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.
On this same day, I sat in class surrounded by friends and peers that had no idea what was going just a few States away. My teacher ran in and out of the classroom checking his phone and searching for the remote to turn on the television. As the doors slammed up and down the hallway of the school, we knew something was wrong. Then I heard it, the word that would become unusually common to me from that day on, “terrorist.” Until that day, I don’t think I had even heard or thought about that word. All I knew is that it wasn’t good and that life was about to change. Teachers were frightened and locking down the classrooms, allowing us to use phones and contact our parents, and turning on the news in each room. Some were in tears as they came to our classrooms checking on the other teachers.
It was terrifying to be on the outside, not knowing what was going to happen next, but can you imagine being on the inside? The World Trade Center was packed with everyday employees, talking about the weather, drinking their coffee, and getting ready for a normal day at work. They had no idea what was coming their way. Then it hit. A plane crashed into their building and shook the whole foundation. The power would have flickered, and depending on where you were inside the building you may or may not have known exactly what was going on. The building beside them was so close that they could hear the first crash. They had no idea that another plane was heading their way. Coworkers would have been scrambling everywhere screaming in terror and trying to figure out what they needed to do. If they went down the thousands of stairs they could’ve ran into more damaging conditions, crowded staircases, and even risk getting trampled on their way down. In the meantime, they were left not knowing if another hit was coming or if they were going to be able to make it out alive. Minute by minute, the intensity and fear would’ve increased and caused panic on every floor. People began to fear the worst and started calling out to their family members saying their goodbyes. Videos and photos from the scene show people jumping from the building in fear. They knew the outcome was not going to be good and they had no idea what to do. I cannot imagine what they went through in those hours, the thoughts that went through their heads, or the tears that went down their faces. It would’ve been terrifying.
But there I sat, safe without harm in my boring band class. I had no idea what was going on or why everyone was panicking, but I did know it was bad. As I looked around, teachers went from panic to prayer and terror to tears.
It was all we could do. When we realized that this was a terrorist attack and could be the first of many more, the United States hit their knees and prayed.
It took fear, panic, and thousands of lives for the US to realize we needed God’s help. For a few months after the attack, churches were packed with new visitors trying to find hope for this Nation. Every news channel featured a different prayer service for the lost victims and their families. Leaders proclaimed the Gospel and prayed publicly for God’s help.
Years later…where has the panic gone? Where are the prayers? Why are the churches declining each week?
Today, 16 years later, we need to remember how quickly life can change and how desperately we always need God. It shouldn’t take panic to promote prayer. Prayer should be a consistent motion that we always rely on and use as a constant communication with our Heavenly Father.
May we never forget the panic, the prayer, and people who lost their lives on 9/11/01. For many of your reading this blog, you weren’t even born when this tragedy struck or maybe you were too young to understand the depths of what was going on.
It was a tragic day in this Nation that started a battle we still face today. Today, we need to remember to pray. Pray for this nation, pray for each other, and pray for the enemies that are against us.
I am thankful to be alive today, thankful to have freedom to live and worship like I do, and thankful to be able to pray to my Heavenly Father always.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44
May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!
