Today is one of the most tragic days in the history of America. On this day, more Americans died than on any other day in US history. Even on December 7th, 1941, 2,402 of our soldiers were killed at Pearl Harbor. September 16th – 18th, 1862, was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War at Sharpsburg, MD. But even on those three days, the total deaths came to 2,108. On September 11th, 2001, 2,977 Americans lost their lives. They were not soldiers. They had not signed up to defend their country. They were people going to work, just like some of you did today. They expected to come home that night, and so did their families. Now, eleven years later, many of the children are now teenagers. They have had to go on with their lives without a mom or dad, a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or even a close neighbor.
As my husband and I read our devotions today from a wonderful little booklet that we use, I was saddened that the information had nothing to do with 9/11. It would be easy to just go on and forget. I’m sure some of you may have been brought up short by the date and found yourself saying, “Oh, yes, it’s September 11th,” as I have done in the past. For a moment we pause. We remember where we were when the awful news reached us. We reflect for a moment on the tragedy, and then continue on, and we must – it is necessary; however, could we do more? Could we be more empathetic?
Empathy – the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in their situation. Please, take a moment to stop and put yourself in their shoes – the survivors of a tragedy that was forced upon them. Pray for them, hurt for them, and then consider our country. Consider life before 9/11 and perhaps it will make us all become more aware of the battles that are facing this great nation. Pray for America and believe that God can make a difference!
“The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.”
Psalm 147:6
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