We were living in Spring Hill, Tennessee, when 9/11 occurred.
I was preparing to leave for my office at the Jackson Heights Church in Columbia when Norma hollered from the family room, “Come here! Something’s happened!”
She was watching the Today show, which was airing the breaking news that a plane had flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Questions, concern, and speculation followed about the cause.
Seventeen minutes later, another plane struck the South Tower. Smoke billowed from both buildings. It quickly became apparent this was no accident.
Then the Pentagon was struck. Finally came the report that another airliner had crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Later, we learned of the passengers’ heroism, which prevented another catastrophic strike in Washington.
America was under attack.
As I reflect, I recall the many competing emotions—shock, horror, confusion, and uncertainty. Soon, those feelings gave way to anger, outrage, and indignation toward the terrorists who perpetrated such an evil act.
We also remember the wave of unity, community, and patriotism that brought our nation together.
President Bush stood amid the rubble at Ground Zero, speaking through a bullhorn to rescue workers.
Republicans and Democrats joined together on the steps of the Capitol, singing “God Bless America.”
People helped people—often total strangers—with unselfish acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Sadly, that spirit has long since faded, leaving our country more fragmented and politically divided than ever.
Twenty-five years later, our lives are vastly different—not only nationally and culturally, but also personally and professionally.
Think about how much your life has changed. How much have you experienced? The good times? The sad times? The uncertain times?
Yet, 25 years later, some things haven’t changed. Sickness, suffering, sorrow, and death are still with us, just as they were on 9/11.
Evil still exists. And the ultimate mastermind behind every evil act is still alive.
I’m not speaking of Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the alleged architect of the 9/11 attacks, who remains in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay.
I’m talking about El Diablo—the Devil. The great deceiver. The enemy of God, goodness, and God’s people.
Satan ever lurks, seeking his victims. He spreads lies, inflicts hurt, harms the innocent, and searches for a weakness through which he can gain a foothold in the hearts of the godly. That hasn’t changed in 25 years.
However, I’m also reminded that in a fallen world filled with wickedness, there are still lots of good people—hardworking, honorable, God-fearing folks who love their families, care about their neighbors, and go about doing good.
These people are the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”
While concerned and saddened by events like 9/11, our faith is not shaken. Nor is our resolve diminished. In these turbulent times, we seek to serve God’s purpose. Follow His plan. Rely upon His power and preeminence. And trust in His promises (Eph. 1).
Biblically, I’m reminded of the ancient Preacher’s observation:
“That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.”There is “a time to be born,
And a time to die”;“A time to weep,
And a time to laugh”;“A time of war,
And a time of peace”
(Eccl. 1:9; 3:1–8).
9/11 and the ensuing 25 years remind us that life is filled with good and evil. Right and wrong. Light and darkness. Happiness and sadness.
While 9/11 is an appropriate time to remember the fallen and honor our heroes, it is also a time for solemn reflection and personal introspection.
It’s a good time to remember our Creator—the One who has sustained us through the years and continues patiently bearing with a world that too often ignores His Word and disregards His warnings.
It’s a good time to reflect on life’s brevity, uncertainty, and fragility. Indeed, we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
It’s a good time to examine ourselves. Our hearts. Our motives. Our purpose. Our lives. Our destiny.
- Who am I?
- What am I becoming?
- How am I living?
- Why am I here?
- Where am I going?
It would be wonderful if the memories and reflections of this solemn anniversary gave birth to a new direction and renewed hope throughout our country. But even if they do not change our nation collectively, they can change us personally—in our homes, our churches, and our own hearts.
Meanwhile, our journey continues toward that eternal home of the soul.
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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