America, the Beautiful

Today is a day that is full of memories for so many of us. I remember that we had recently found out that I was pregnant w/ our second daughter and I was getting ready to go to work.  The tv was on and the first broadcast came on. At that time, no one was sure what happened. I put our oldest daughter in the car and headed to work.  I had almost arrived when the news updates came on about the second tower and the fact that we were being attacked.  I can so clearly remember looking in the rear view mirror of the car at my daughter and thinking "What kind of life will they grow up in?" That evening we watched the news in tears and disbelief that this could happen. I sat in awe of all of the law enforcement, fire fighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders who ran past the fleeing crowds of people to help those in the middle of the chaos.  There were so many lives lost that day due to ignorance and hatred.  Today at church, the sermon was about forgiveness. We are not expected to forget the pain and emotion caused from this, but to fuel the hatred that started this is not in God's plan.  It reminded me to focus on the heroes from that day and the compassion and love we showed each other.  Our closing song was America, the Beautiful and I felt quite emotional as we sang the 3rd verse.

"O beautiful for heroes proved. In liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!"

Could there be more fitting words for today...

May God watch over all those who work daily to protect us and keep us safe.  May He bring comfort to those who lost loved ones that day and every day after.