The Pain of Remembering

Today is a day that is held in deep remorse, even reverence, by all true Americans…

TODAY IS 9/11 …..A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE!

Ask anyone what they were doing on this date in 2001 and they can tell you with vivid detail where they were and what they were thinking when they first saw or heard of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center buildings.

Our world came to an abrupt halt as we all stared at our TV’s, unable to believe or conceive that such an event was taking place in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” We watched in horror as the planes crashed into the buildings, as the fire and smoke billowed from these giant skyscrapers, as some leapt to their death and then, without warning the buildings imploded and collapsed trapping and killing thousands of our fellow Americans.

And why…..because some militant radicals of the Islamic religion believe they are earning their way into heaven for killing a bunch of “infidels”? Or is this a deeper, more fundamental difference that separates and alienates two distinct and different cultures?

We believe in a God of love, who rather than demand our lives in sacrifice to earn his love, would rather sacrifice His only Son so that He may gain our love, devotion, service, worship and praise. And to make things even tougher on us as believers, our God, through the life and words of His Son, would teach us in Scripture; “You have heard it said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those whose persecute you, so that you may be the sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes the sun rise and fall on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-46, 48

Today, will be a tough day as we remember the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the indelible scar that remains forever on our hearts….BUT WE MUST REMAIN STRONG and meet this evil with force when necessary…. and with love to change the hearts and minds of those who want to destroy us. By doing this, we reap coals upon their heads and our Father’s love upon their hearts.

Please pray today for a forgiving heart and a loving spirit toward anyone who professes to be a follower of Islam as the one true faith. Let your love and compassion to see them come to know the love and saving grace of Jesus override any and all hostilities….let this be a day of remembrance and healing …..AND MAY JESUS CHRIST BE LIFTED UP SO THAT HE MAY DRAW ALL MEN UNTO HIMSELF.

May God Bless and comfort all those affected by the tragedy of this day…

September 11, 2001


POEM FOR TODAY: (written shortly after 9/11/2001)

A PATRIOT’S PRAYER

Our Father, we would lift this prayer
In the midst of these troubled days.
We plead now for your guidance,
Your protection and caring ways.

EVIL has befallen us….
Fear and horror grip our souls.
We pray that as your Nation
You will heal us…make us whole.

Grant us faith and courage, Lord
Prepare us to fight the fight.
Restore us once again to be
Freedom’s bright and shining light.

Draw close to us and shelter us,
Keep us safe in your tender care,
May all we do be in gratitude
For your answer to this

PATRIOT’S PRAYER.

W. Patrick Queen
Copyright October 2001