July 4, 1776: We, as a national declared independence from England. Today, we know that day as “Independence Day!”
December 7, 1941: The Japanese attacked our Naval fleet at Pearl Harbor. That event was the catalyst that drew the United States into World War II. Today, we know that day as “Pearl Harbor Day!”
June 6, 1941: The Allied forces invaded Normandy, storming the beaches of Utah and Omaha, and nearly 13,000 paratroopers jumped into the Cotentin Peninsula. It was the beginning of the end of World War II! Today, we know that day as “D-Day!”
September 11, 2001: Our nation was attacked by islamic extremists bent on bringing fear, panic, and terror to our nation’s soil. I remember sitting in homeroom, as a senior in high school, watching on live television as the second plane flew into the World Trade Center! I remember thinking about how many dads would not be home that night, how many moms would not pick up their kids from school, and how many children would go to sleep wondering if they’d ever see mom and dad again. I remember thinking and wondering if there was anything at all I could do to help.
As a nation, as an American; these days are not simply dates on a calendar, but rather they are moments in our life and history that are forever etched in our minds because of the event that took place. Though these mentioned pertain to our nation, there are many other “days” that are significant to us, not because of a mark on the calendar, but because we endured a moment in time that shook us at our very core! For many, it was the day your phone rang and you received the news that you or a loved one had cancer. Or maybe it was the day that you said “goodbye” to your mom or dad for the last time.
Whatever the trial, whatever the storm, we all have “dates” that are not defined by the calendar, but by the event that we endured! I’m reminded in these moments that we serve a good God! I’m reminded that He is still on the throne, He is still in control, and that He loves us dearly! In the storms of our lives, we may feel abandoned and forsaken, but there is a God in Heaven that promised He would never leave us, nor forsake us! He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother! We can rest assured that His promise is true; that all things work together for good!
May this be an encouragement to you today as we remember September 11, 2001! May this be a reminder that God is in complete control when we face trials throughout our lives! May we take a moment and thank Him for being so good!
God bless America and God bless each of you!
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
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