I was looking at a television special not too long ago. The journalist asked a number of Americans how the events of September 11, 2001 affected their lives. Some people questioned God. They asked where was He on that day and why would He let something like that happen. Another person said he had not been able to pray since that date. Others said their belief in God was strengthened.

When I look back at the awful day, I remember being shocked that a plane flew into the World Trade Center. I thought it was simply a terrible plane accident. When the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center I remember a heavy sadness, and tried to rationalize what happened. By the time the third plane hit the Pentagon, I sat as a zombie before the television. Obviously, it was no accident. Who could hate anyone or anything so much as to fly planes into buildings killing and injuring countless numbers of people. I never questioned God. I just wanted Him to be near. I remember uttering prayers for people on the planes,in the towers and downtown Manhattan, and at the Pentagon. I also remember praying for their family members because I knew they would be frightened and hurting for their loved ones.

Since that date I do not have the fear that many Americans express. My life has gone on as usual for the most part. I do admit that I become somewhat apprehensive with the media Anthrax reports and the scare of bombs on bridges; however, I continue to open mail and drive over bridges and travel. I am more aware of unattended packages in public places and watch people when their actions are somewhat inappropriate. Most of all I pray more, and ask God to forgive me more. I ask Him to cover family and friends with the blood of Jesus and I ask Him to make me love more and understand more. I ask Him to protect the United States and its leaders. I do not always agree with their methods and actions but I believe they are trying to protect its citizens to the best of their ability.

How has September 11, 2001 changed your life?

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

Answers

The military families in our town are experiencing extended periods without dad, and in some cases mom as they're off fighting the war. We're wondering why the rest of the nation is acting as if we're not at war. Enlistments haven't jumped, though some already in the military have elected to stay in or come back.

What's up with the rest of the nation, especially the youth? Don't they feel an obligation to help? Writing letters to soldiers isn't enough. We need people in uniform!

I remember an old boss of mine. He entered the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor, and served the duration of WW II. Yet on 9/11 we suffered a strike that produced a number of dead that rivaled that of Pearl Harbor - only these were all civilian. Where is the righteous, Godly rage that should be there?

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

To RP: I believe the righteous are where they are supposed to be...praying to avoid war. Sometimes, we are forced to fight, but this is not the time. Godly rage is what it says it is. Rage from God, setting things right by God, not by man.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

September 11 reminds me of the importance of living for the moment. We should embrace every second as our last, rather living on borrowed promises and dreams.

Brenda

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

Dear Sister Brooks,

Thank you very much for asking such an appropriate question. Quite honestly, when I think of September 11 I feel conflicting emotions of anger and sadness. Some have asked where was God as if He is our servant or something. God is in Heaven where He has always been and doing whatever He wants to do. He is a Sovreign and does not need our approval or permission to do anything. Some have even suggested that it was God's will that all those people were murdered on that day. I disagree with that belief system. It was God's will to allow man to exercise his " free will" on Sept. 11 just as any other day. However, man chose not to follow the word of God as recorded in the Bible. Therefore, disaster resulted. GOD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAUSE OR ALLOW ANYTHING TO HAPPEN!!! Everything that happens is not God's will.

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, what do we as Christians now do? Of course we seek the will of God for our lives and the nation. I was asking some other Christians in the office about whether our nation should go to war against Iraq. How can one resolve this decision in light of what Jesus said about "turning the other cheek"? We all agreed that we were unsure about how the teachings of Jesus and going to war against an evil man like Sadaam Hussein could be resolved. We were convinced that the President has to take action against the evil of " Al Qaeda" and Sadaam Hussein. Dr. Condoleeza Rice said that we don't want to see a mushroom cloud as a smoking gun before we decide whether or not to attack Iraq. I agree that the US cannot be passive while evil abroad threatens our security at home.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

To me personaly the events of sep 11th was a wake up call. To many people are not taking God seriously. If we ever want to overcome our problems we first have to return back to God. Just as Isreal when they left God and his commandments in the end they needed someone to lean on. We were attack because we trusted in mere mortals. Vance Harvner said the problem with most middle class Americans, is they play at their work, work at their play, and play with their worship. worship God and see the differnces he will make in your life. Lets not allow an attack on our way of life be another wake call, but let us wake now!. The bible declares it's high time to wake up out of our sleep for our salvation is nearer than we first believed. (Not quoted correctly)

-- Anonymous, September 30, 2002