I hear, and my body trembles, my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters my bones, my steps totter beneath me. I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. Habakkuk 3:16
I do not think there is an American alive today, who does not remember exactly where they were and what they were doing September 11, 2001, when news was received of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. The shock and fear of helplessly observing such devastation to humanity and structure, was almost too much to bear. Knowing people who were directly involved in this tragedy, or their families was even more heart wrenching. Quickly we learned that the Pentagon had also been attacked with many deaths as well; even later it was discovered that an airplane had crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, those on board instrumental in preventing further devastation to our Nation, by prohibiting the hijackers from reaching their planned destination.
With fear and uncertainty about who or what this unknown enemy was, as well as questions about the possibility of another area of assault, concerns for the safety of our loved ones scattered about at work, school, traveling etc, flooded our thoughts. Everyone spoken to about these horrific incidents in our history relate similar feelings of heart pounding apprehension, panic and grief. In shock and utter disbelief, we thanked God for those in our lives who by some twist of fate were not present at the World Trade Center in New York on that particular day. Turning to God in prayer for help and for all the departed souls was our only consolation. As time passed, the perpetrators became known and our instinct was to want immediate retribution and justice done for such evil acts of annihilation and disrespect of the lives of our fellow citizens. As with all things, it was not that simple. A complex web of blame surrounds that incident as well as others that have occurred before in history, and have since.
Following this catastrophe, many answered the call to patriotism and numerous service men and women have lost their lives in the effort to combat terrorism in our world. Many more ordinary people still continue their efforts to bring peace and freedom through education and presence to many parts of the world. Yesterday, the September 11th Museum and Memorial was dedicated by President Obama at the sight where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. But today many questions still exist. Where is the peace we are looking for? When will the fighting stop? When will lives no longer be lost in the name of liberty or in the name of God? In our hearts we know that God, in His time, will judge, and righteousness will prevail. Patiently we pray . . . Patiently we wait . . . Patiently we wait.
God we pray for peace, and for those who have lost their lives in the name of it. Have mercy on us; on all of us.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson