Twenty years ago, I sat in an office in Europe when our boss came in and informed us that the World Trade Center in NYC was burning due to an accident… it was the first airplane hitting the North Tower. I politely asked if I could check that please online, but he refused. His words were something in the line of: “We need our internet for significant things…”
I was working temporarily for that company and decided to call it a day. It was already afternoon in Western Europe, and I went home to find out what happened. I turned the TV on and started crying. I think I didn’t stop weeping until 11 pm.
It’s been 20 years that nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in terrorist attacks, born out of purest hatred and evil.
But something else happened that day: It united the US. The United States of America has proven to be ONE UNITY. There were no ‘us’ and ‘them.’ There was no exclusion, no dividing… families lost loved ones and needed help. Victims were mourned, no matter who they were! Memorials were held for ALL of them! And American people united to help.
I pray that the US finds that solidarity again – WITHOUT such a horrific catastrophe.
But also, and most of all, I pray that we never forget the lives lost that day, 20 years ago, when the sky over the US burned.
Dear Lord
Would you please help us remember the souls who wandered to Heaven that day, 20 years ago? Let us burn a candle for them, deep in our hearts. Please, let them rest in peace forever.
Amen
Where were you when the world stopped turnin' That September day? Were you in the yard with your wife and children Or workin' on some stage in L.A.? Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke Risin' against that blue sky? Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor Or did you just sit down and cry? Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones Pray for the ones who don't know? Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble And sob for the ones left below? Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blue And the heroes who died just doin' what they do? Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer And look at yourself and what really matters? I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us And the greatest is love Where were you when the world stopped turnin' That September day? Teachin' a class full of innocent children Or drivin' down some cold interstate? Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor? In a crowded room did you feel alone? Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her? Did you dust off that Bible at home? Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened Close your eyes and not go to sleep? Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages And speak to some stranger on the street? Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow Go out and buy you a gun? Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin' And turn on I Love Lucy reruns? Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers Stand in line to give your own blood? Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family Thank God you had somebody to love? I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us And the greatest is love I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us And the greatest is love And the greatest is love And the greatest is love Where were you when the world stopped turnin' On that September day?
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