And they that know thy name will put their trust
in thee: for thou, Lord, has not forsaken
them that seek thee.
Psalm 9:10
Today marks the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that were unleashed upon the United States of America through a highly coordinated and well-planned effort by a group of Muslim extremists and jihadists who hijacked four different jetliners, all of which eventually crashed in different parts of the country...
in thee: for thou, Lord, has not forsaken
them that seek thee.
Psalm 9:10
Today marks the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that were unleashed upon the United States of America through a highly coordinated and well-planned effort by a group of Muslim extremists and jihadists who hijacked four different jetliners, all of which eventually crashed in different parts of the country...
One plane went down in a field outside of a little town in Pennsylvania after several passengers charged the plane's cockpit in an attempt to overpower the hijackers. And another crashed into the Pentagon which is just outside of Washington, D.C. While two more jets each slammed into one of two Twin Tower buildings which were part of a complex of buildings in New York City know as the World Trade Center. Approximately three thousand persons died in these events. And for the first time Americans were afraid, and they were angry, too.
Now, nine years later, family members and friends continue to mourn the loss of loved ones. While many who survived these attacks have yet to fully recover from their physical and emotional wounds. And because today marks the anniversary of this tragedy, I said prayers for those who lost a loved one, and for anyone who was injured.
However, putting aside my prayers for a moment, I'm beginning to think that perhaps this tragedy is a sign of things to come for America? Not necessarily by way of more terrorist attacks, although that is a real possibility. But maybe this evil event was and is some kind of inexplicable portent that the United States will itself one day implode?
After all, it was almost ten years ago that New York City's colossal Twin Towers proudly stood with their facades of steel and glass gleaming in the sunlight and sparkling in the night. The towers could be seen for miles in every direction, even from far out at sea.
In addition, before their destruction, the Twin Towers as well as the entire World Trade Center complex, had come to represent America's power and prosperity, and her influence in the world of international finance. The World Trade Center symbolized our success as a nation. So who would have thought that such impressive edifices could be toppled? For more than two hundred years we've thought of ourselves as the most powerful nation in the world. Before September 11, 2001 it was easy to think that America was indestructible; far fewer of us think this way now.
Nearly a decade ago the world watched in horror as the 9/11 attacks unfolded. We watched as multitudes died before our eyes. And as for the Twin Towers themselves, they slowly imploded from within as steal beams buckled from the heat that was being produced by thousands of gallons of burning jet fuel. Within hours both buildings tumbled into a smoldering heap. This was America's "Tower of Babel" moment. We were humiliated publicly. We were humbled.
Less than twenty-four hours later America awoke to the sight of hundreds of rescue workers picking through endless mounds of still burning rubble to retrieve body parts. We awoke to the fact that the United States was no longer impervious to an outside attack. That our enemy was now on our shores and is deeply embedded in our communities. We awoke to a different America.
Today, as I reflect back in time to September 11, 2001 I cannot but wonder if the United States will itself suffer a similar fate? Not by some kind of cataclysmic fireball from the sky, but rather as a result of the slow but steady loss of our nation's values. Even now there are many social and political analysts who are making the claim that America is experiencing extensive social, political and economic erosion. And if things continue as they are, it will only get worse.
Even our military appears to be in decline as our government insists on downsizing our Armed Forces. Likewise some of our troops may be losing their morale from having to fight in several unpopular but very costly and questionable wars.
Of course if this is true, what then is ahead for us? Will we go the way of past civilizations who were at one time prominent and powerful, but have long since become nothing more than dusty hunting grounds for archeologists? I think these are valid questions which should concern everyone.
If I am correct that the destruction which took place on September 11, 2001 is a precursor for a national tragedy still to come, then we need to wake up. Our days could be numbered. America could be in grave danger.
Furthermore, in addition to praying for those who've been devastated by the September 11th attacks, we should be saying prayers for our nation's leaders. We should also be praying for a great spiritual awakening where people from all walks of life begin to call upon the Lord to ask for His help and guidance. We need His protection, too. And my prayer is that we will begin to seek God's face. For if we don't do this, then we may not have a future. At least not a good one.
And may I share these Scriptures:
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that
forgot God.
Psalm 9:17
D.B.
Now, nine years later, family members and friends continue to mourn the loss of loved ones. While many who survived these attacks have yet to fully recover from their physical and emotional wounds. And because today marks the anniversary of this tragedy, I said prayers for those who lost a loved one, and for anyone who was injured.
However, putting aside my prayers for a moment, I'm beginning to think that perhaps this tragedy is a sign of things to come for America? Not necessarily by way of more terrorist attacks, although that is a real possibility. But maybe this evil event was and is some kind of inexplicable portent that the United States will itself one day implode?
After all, it was almost ten years ago that New York City's colossal Twin Towers proudly stood with their facades of steel and glass gleaming in the sunlight and sparkling in the night. The towers could be seen for miles in every direction, even from far out at sea.
In addition, before their destruction, the Twin Towers as well as the entire World Trade Center complex, had come to represent America's power and prosperity, and her influence in the world of international finance. The World Trade Center symbolized our success as a nation. So who would have thought that such impressive edifices could be toppled? For more than two hundred years we've thought of ourselves as the most powerful nation in the world. Before September 11, 2001 it was easy to think that America was indestructible; far fewer of us think this way now.
Nearly a decade ago the world watched in horror as the 9/11 attacks unfolded. We watched as multitudes died before our eyes. And as for the Twin Towers themselves, they slowly imploded from within as steal beams buckled from the heat that was being produced by thousands of gallons of burning jet fuel. Within hours both buildings tumbled into a smoldering heap. This was America's "Tower of Babel" moment. We were humiliated publicly. We were humbled.
Less than twenty-four hours later America awoke to the sight of hundreds of rescue workers picking through endless mounds of still burning rubble to retrieve body parts. We awoke to the fact that the United States was no longer impervious to an outside attack. That our enemy was now on our shores and is deeply embedded in our communities. We awoke to a different America.
Today, as I reflect back in time to September 11, 2001 I cannot but wonder if the United States will itself suffer a similar fate? Not by some kind of cataclysmic fireball from the sky, but rather as a result of the slow but steady loss of our nation's values. Even now there are many social and political analysts who are making the claim that America is experiencing extensive social, political and economic erosion. And if things continue as they are, it will only get worse.
Even our military appears to be in decline as our government insists on downsizing our Armed Forces. Likewise some of our troops may be losing their morale from having to fight in several unpopular but very costly and questionable wars.
Of course if this is true, what then is ahead for us? Will we go the way of past civilizations who were at one time prominent and powerful, but have long since become nothing more than dusty hunting grounds for archeologists? I think these are valid questions which should concern everyone.
If I am correct that the destruction which took place on September 11, 2001 is a precursor for a national tragedy still to come, then we need to wake up. Our days could be numbered. America could be in grave danger.
Furthermore, in addition to praying for those who've been devastated by the September 11th attacks, we should be saying prayers for our nation's leaders. We should also be praying for a great spiritual awakening where people from all walks of life begin to call upon the Lord to ask for His help and guidance. We need His protection, too. And my prayer is that we will begin to seek God's face. For if we don't do this, then we may not have a future. At least not a good one.
And may I share these Scriptures:
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that
forgot God.
Psalm 9:17
D.B.
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