September 11th

So today is September 11th.  This day doesn't go by anymore with causing to pause, does it?  I came in on the tail end of a National Geographic special about that infamous day in 2001 that G was watching last night.   It was chronicling the events of the day complete with narratives by specific individuals affected by each of the happenings of the day.  Oh.my.word.  I thought I would lose my breath when I saw the footage of that first plane hitting the WTC building and then the next and then the plane that went down in Pennsylvania and then the one that hit the Pentagon.  How many times have I seen this in the past 12 years?  many a time.  Does it take my breath away every single time? without a doubt.

Last summer I was thrilled to accompany a very special girl and her mom in NYC to celebrate the daughter's 13th birthday.  We made our way down to the Memorial site with heavy hearts all the while discussing what happened with this precious girl, who had just turned 2 at the time.  As her mother and I were relaying all that had happened again, now that we were faced with the reality of what was in front of us, we could hardly hold back the tears.  We looked down into the reflecting pools and up into the Freedom Tower under construction.  We walked around the Survivor Tree and solemnly read the boards that surround the site.  We walked past the Fire Station that was right next door and said a prayer as we read each name of those who died. 

All of this was overwhelming almost.  But the one thing that I cannot shake from my heart, was a tour we took of the site lead by two survivors.  I will never forget the man who told us he was a stockbroker in the South Tower and barely made it out.  How he walked down steps passing firefighters going up.  He said he remembers face after face who told him how to escape all the while they were headed to their death.   And I will never forget the other guide, who was also a stockbroker but in the North Tower.  She shared her story of coming to work that morning with her husband who worked on Wall Street.  They kissed goodbye right at the base of the South Tower.  They had plans to go to a Broadway Show that night and she was carrying a bag that held a new dress from Neiman Marcus and a new Coach bag she had bought for this special occasion.  And then it all happened.  She was able to get of the building (with her bag which  she said for some reason she thought she needed) but couldn't get in touch with her husband.  The rescue workers insisted she leave the premises by boat.  She had to jump into the Hudson River, swim to the boat and drop her bag into the river.  She laughed that she was even concerned about her bag but in some way it held normalcy and hope for her husband.   Can you imagine?  She told all of the details of the day and I listened in disbelief almost, like it was a story of fiction.   How could this have happened in America?  Right across from the Statue of Liberty for heavens sake.  It all still boggles my mind.  I don't understand. 

By the way, if you ever find yourself in New York City, do not miss this tour.    Proceeds support the 9/11 Tribute Center and September 11th Families’ Association, a non-profit organization.  It is well worth your money.
 
So, we live in uncertain days.  This whole Syria thing is frightening.  But what can we do?  We can pray. A lot.

I recently heard about this from Billy Graham.  I think My Hope America is worthy of our prayers as well.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)
 

Veterans Day

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

Thanking God for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

I Should Have Posted this Yesterday

I fully realize that yesterday was Veteran’s Day and I let that pass without even a mention. I apologize. I ask you respectfully, to please pause from reading right now and pray for the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our country.

I saw something yesterday, I have never seen before. I know many of us have seen the American flag folded into a triangle - you have probably seen people do it you if have ever been to a military funeral. But did you know that each fold represents something? Maybe you will find this as interesting as I did.

The following was taken from this website: http://www.usflag.org/

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform.

In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."