Don’t Forget 9/11
Many people in our midst were born after 9/11/01 or were too young at the time to remember it now. They’re memory will be formed by what they hear. However, Those who remember 9/11 will never forget. It seems like only yesterday that we sat glued to the TV, overwhelmed with horror and disbelief. Over the years, the emotion of those hours continues to rise when we pause to remember. Pictures and emotions are embedded in our memories too deeply to fade quickly.
While watching news reports of memorial services, along with pictures, testimonies, and reports of that historic day, I think of the cliché, “forgive and forget.” As individuals, families, and a nation, we were wronged. We were intentionally attacked by terrorist, and the loss was terrific. As a nation, we make a point to not forget.
And yet, we need to forgive. The direct perpetrators died in the attacks. Our forgiveness won’t mean a thing to them, but it is a must for us. If we don’t forgive, bitterness and anger will destroy our souls. It will also affect our relationships with God and others. If we don’t forgive, the harm perpetrated will continue to destroy us.
But forget? We dare not forget. If we forget, we will have learned nothing and will remain vulnerable. The enemy, though illusive, is still intent on our destruction. We must not forget. Instead, we need to be wise, cautious, and remain alert for further attempts on our lives.
Indeed, since 9/11/01 much has changed. We are alert and are constantly developing new ways to thwart future attacks. But we all know our security is not fail proof. We are still vulnerable.
It seems to me that as a nation, we have failed at the most crucial point. We forget that our battle is against principalities and powers, not against flesh and blood. We depend on security systems, drones, and missiles—i.e. in the horses and chariots of our day.
Isaiah said, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” (31:1).
Horses, chariots, security systems, drones, and missiles are not bad. It is not wrong to defend ourselves. However, when we trust in our own defenses, they will fail us.
In contrast, the Lord is faithful. Furthermore, He will defend us if we trust in and call on Him. I pray that as we remember the the atrocities and the lives lost, that we will also think to pray and to cry out to God to be our bulwark and shelter from evil.
“How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men! Thou dost hide them in the secret place of Thy presence from the conspiracies of man” (Ps. 31:19-20).
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