Empty skies. In the days following 9/11/2001. The flight pattern over our home in Virginia—suddenly silent.
My husband was traveling in West Africa at the time. He called and I wept. We felt the distance in the midst of uncertainty.
Our world changed that day, but we drew near to the One who never changes. Held on to His Word. And Joshua 1:9 became our family verse during that season.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Secure
I prayed,
“Shaken in the horror
of carefully executed terror,
yet we remain secure
under Your wings,
shielded by Your faithfulness,
sheltered in the Almighty
who is our dwelling Place.
What can man do to us?
We are Yours.”
Empty lives
Empty lives. Revealed in passing. Surfacing on the radio. In newscasts. Voices picked up here and there during the aftermath.
Scraps of emotion. Shock. Expressed in short phrases so revealing. As people came face to face with tragedy. Vulnerability. Stark mortality.
“I’m confused—I’m just confused.”
“I feel empty inside.”
Strange days
A journal details my observations and prayers. During those strange and silent days. When it felt like nothing could be routine again.
People filled the churches. And strangers sought connection in this shared experience of unexplained terror.
Everything suddenly slowed to a stop. Fast-paced lives unraveling. Many searching for some kind of meaningful answer.
Empty soul cries
I prayed,
“Father,
keep Your people alert
to the empty soul cries
of those we meet
day by day.
There is a Rock
higher than
our fragile selves.
A shelter and refuge.
The only One
who can fill
the empty.
And answer
the searching heart
with peace
and hope eternal.”
Share the gospel
Some did turn and follow Christ in the weeks and months following 9/11. Out of darkness into His marvelous light. Forever changed. Praise God.
But as a “new normal” fell into place, others simply returned to their old way of living. Empty.
On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I’m reminded. We don’t know what tomorrow holds.
So stay alert to who He places in my path.
And share the gospel all along the way.
He is the true and only Hope.
What about you?
Where were you on 9/11/2001? How did you see the Lord work during those days?
2 replies on “empty skies”
The anniversary this year seems to highlight the uncertainty around us. And I wonder if we learned much in these 20 years. What will come? I’m so sorry for those who are trying hard on their own.
Praying that more will be drawn to the One who is our stability in uncertain times! Thanks for faithfully reading, my friend.