One of my favorite bands Hawk Nelson has this song called, Remember to Never Forget. And as I went through this day, remembering 9/11 with so many others, it played quietly, in the back of my mind.
I was going to Grace Bible College in Michigan, the day the Twin Towers came down. It was horrific. I remember watching the tv screen, in utter disbelief. The emotions that followed were hard to bear. Feeling scared and vulnerable and helpless were difficult feelings to process. And like so many others, I wondered how such a tragedy could occur.
Thirteen years later, it’s still hard to process. And having moved to New York eleven years ago, it seems to hit so much closer. Reading the posts of friends who lost their loved ones, is so sad. And I still don’t know why such a thing would happen. But I do know, that no matter the tragedy, no matter how bad things are, that God still works good, his good, into any situation.
I saw that good in the stories that I heard after September 11th. I saw good, in the policemen and women and the firefighters, and the emergency responders that sacrificed for others. They gave their time and their efforts and their energy. Some, many, even gave their lives, and in doing so, showed no greater love, according to Jesus. He also knew what it was to sacrifice.
I saw and heard good in the stories of those who were lost on that day. In the stories of lives that would be remembered forever, because they were good ones, and beautiful ones. I saw good in the heroes whose stories were told for years to come.
And I saw good in our nation, joining together as one, through the tragedy of 9/11. And even now, after thirteen years remembering, as difficult as it is, there is still good. And this is the truth that we have to share, in times of trouble and sadness. No matter what, God can and does bring good into any situation. No matter the tragedies that you experience in your life, whether big or small, the truth is, that God loves us and that He can bring joy and peace, even amidst the biggest hurts or sadness.
Today, Jeremy and I visited some of the oldest and most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen. And I got to light candles and say prayers for my loved ones and for my friends and for everyone affected by that tragic day. And again, even through sadness, I still thanked God for the goodness that He brought through the most painful experiences of 9/11.
Laura Herr Photography 