My daughter’s 6th grade Social Studies class was assigned a 9-11 family project to complete this week. We were to make a scrapbook about what happened on September 11, 2001. I thought this was a great idea, and we started looking around for news magazines that would carry stories and pictures of what happened eight years ago.
But the more we looked around, the more saddened I became. Not one single news magazine (that we could find in the many stores we scoured) had anything on its cover about that horrific event that changed our nation. Not one. Instead, something about Michael Jackson was consistently the featured story.
The sadder I got, the madder I became. As a nation, we have given media outlets the impression that we would rather read about Michael Jackson than to remember the loved ones lost and the heroes who arose on and after September 11th. They assume that all of us want dirty details on “celebrities” over inspiring reminders of united patriotism. And maybe, as a nation, we do… which saddens me further.
But as we searched high and low to find information about September 11, 2001, I grew more and more thankful for this dear teacher who made the 9-11 project a requirement of her students. Through the work on this project, I remembered ~ and Abigail learned ~ the sorrow our nation experienced, as well as the surge of unity in the days that followed.
As part of the project, Abigail interviewed some family members about where they were on 9-11, how they found out, how they felt it changed our nation, and what they remembered most. Every person spoke of the turn of our nation, as a whole, back to God. Flags were flown. Churches were filled. Bibles were read. Prayer was public. And many became Christians by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. We were one nation, united, under God, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all. We promised to “Never Forget”.
But we did. Within eight years. How quickly we forget.
The project was turned in today, and we will remember tomorrow. And we will pray for our nation, our leaders, our churches, and our children. We will not forget.
So I ask you: What do you remember about September 11, 2001? Did God do something good in and around your life in the midst of that tragedy? If so, PLEASE share with us. We want to give glory to God for all He has done. (Something good happened in our family out of this – my husband’s father and step-mother started going to church, became Christians, and are now in Heaven instead of in hell – all as a result of 9-11. Praise God!)
Lets make this a day of remembering… not just the tragedy of 9-11, but of our God and of how NOTHING is too big or too terrible for Him to use… if we will continue to remember…and not forget.
Alan Jackson wrote a beautiful song expressing how many of us thought and felt on that day. It’s called, “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?” A video with live footage and lyrics are below.
Remembering with you…Jennifer
“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”
Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
One other moving video I found to the song “I believe”:
Bessings to each of you on this September day…
