Where were you?

Eight years ago, on this very day, around this approximate time, our nation suffered one of the most devastating attacks ever unleashed on our soil. It was a day of infamy that tested our spirit as a nation and sent a jolt down our spine as we weren't merely watching terrorists attack eastern countries from the comfort of our plush living rooms.

I cannot help but reflect and offer up humble prayer as I remember the atrocious events of the day and the innocent lives that were taken. I still remember exactly where I was and can pinpoint the precise emotions that overwhelmed me upon receiving the information. I was attending my classes at UNT that fall morning and saw students gathered around a TV broadcasting the news. Initially, the only information we were privy to were the Twin Towers were on fire. Unaware of the details and feeling a sense of panic take over, I immediately began speed-walking to my car while dialing my dad's number. I recall sobbing and demanding to know if we were at war. To think, millions of human beings live their lives accustomed to being in a constant state of war. It is both exceedingly humbling and incomprehensible.

My soul aches for those families who lost grandparents, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters and cousins. It may sound crazy, but today, I pray for forgiveness to pour over their hearts as they attempt to heal from the gaping wound that occurs when losing a loved one. May Christ give them the strength to forgive the evil malice, so that they may in turn, bring greater glory to His kingdom.

While I know with 100% assurity that nothing slips through God's hands without being a part of His perfect will, BUT as imperfect humans, it is so hard to understand why something like this would/could happen. It boils down to one of the greatest theological questions: why is there evil/suffering in the world? My thoughts, beliefs and Biblically-based comments are likely for another time and another post, but it is a question many wrestle with in an age of so much uncertainty.

The only constant thing in this world is Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. While there may be extreme suffering, sadness, evil and desperation in the life and in this world, God promises we do not live for this world. Our destination is eternal life in the presence of the perfect Holy one who is incapable of sin. If we truly believe this, what would our lives, attitudes, reactions, conversations and pursuits look like?

Per usual, I have gone of on a tangent-driven diatribe of sorts. Please join me today in praying for the victims' and perpetrators' families. May the events of this day, eight years ago, serve an eternal purpose in that through this tragedy, they are pointed towards salvation in Christ.