“Do you remember?” 

That statement seems to always preface the next part of that complete statement: “Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when the airplanes of hate and destruction hit the Twin Towers?” 

Yes. Yes I do. September 11, 2001. Two men and I from the church I was pastor of that time were making our way from Sandusky, OH to a church in Massillon, OH to attend a one day workshop on church leadership. As a church in a blue collar town we were struggling to keep our head above water as we watched people leave the church. Not because they were dissatisfied but because they had to move. I had started less than a year before in November of 2000 and watched as that first year we lost about 27 people who moved out of town. We were seeking encouragement and wisdom and some direction. It wasn’t until we arrived in Massillon and walked into the church building that we heard the news. We had driven the two hours with no radio on in order to engage in uninterrupted conversation so we were clueless until we got to the venue and the TV was showing the events. 

I’m going to be honest and candid, I was virtually ignorant of the Twin Towers. Things like that never drew my attention. But that all changed in a blink of an eye. For the most part, the workshop was a wash for all who were there. When I got home that evening, my eyes were glued to the TV, hoping against hope that people would be found alive. Reality told me differently but I was somehow hoping it was all a dream. 

I do know this. Life changed. Life in the United States changed. No longer were we the carefree, trusting nation we once were. Security beyond all security sprung up. Flights changed. Protocol changed. More than that, our air of invincibility changed. For a brief few days, our partisan politics were pushed aside as they stood on the steps and sang “God Bless America.” Talking heads finally had something positive to say about the land they lived in. Our military stepped up. And yes, churches stepped up. Sermons were changed for that Sunday (I changed mine). People were echoing not “God Bless America” (which I still want His hand on our land) but began saying, “America, Bless God.” It was an appeal for America to repent and turn to God for renewal. Honor God not wealth or the wealthy. 

Yes, I remember. If you were living then, I bet you do as well. I echo what was said back then: “American, Bless God.” May our hearts return to Him. 

How ironic that on this historic day, we have recently seen a rash of senseless murders. Iryna Zarutska (Ukrainian woman on public transit). And now Charlie Kirk.  “Father, heal our land, but even more so, our souls. Clean out the hatred and replace it with love.”