This weekend people all across the United States paused to remember the events of September 11, 2001. We were brought to our knees as we thought again about that day, and we particularly remember the heroism displayed by the many folks who gave their lives to save others.
image courtesy of www.seabythecity.com
Perhaps most telling is the fact that everyone seems to remember what he or she was doing when news of the tragedy broke. The events of that day were so significant that the moment is forever seared in our memories. People refer to 9/11 as "the day the world stopped turning."
Of course, the world did not stop turning, and that fact is what brings me most comfort. I remember that day in September particularly because dear friends of ours had a baby on September 9. They had wanted a child for a long time, and September 9 brought the blessing of a healthy, beautiful little girl. And guess what day they brought her home from the hospital? September 11.
I can remember someone's saying "How awful to bring your baby home on a terrible day like this. The joy of that moment will forever be tainted by the horrible events of this day."
I think, though, that the opposite was true. September 11, 2001 was a terrible day, much like December 7, 1941, forever immortalized as "a day that will live in infamy." But for some of us, it's the day that a wonderful little baby came home from the hospital. Her presence in the world was like a signal that, even though evil people with terrible plans were at work in the world, much good was still present. God is still at work, and His good overcomes evil, even on a day like that one.
That little baby? She's a beautiful girl who is now 10 years old, a wonderful girl who has never ceased to delight everyone with whom she comes in contact. And her name? Grace. Happy birthday, sweet Grace. You are a gift from God.
Beautiful, Richella! On 9.11.01 I was 6 months pregnant and my Lauren was one and a half. I thought, "what kind of world are we bringing them into??" But there is nothing more that this world needs than good, strong, faithful children that will make it a better place and good always does prevail.
ReplyDeleteRichella, we had Christenings at Church on Sunday morning. Like you, I was struck by how appropriate it really was to be celebrating new life even while we remembered this loss.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to sweet Grace, and happy birthday!
yesterday we celebrated a baptism in church... and it was so good to know that new life in God continues on and on even shadowed by darkness.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a great post! You're so right, the world did not stop turning. Even with the breathtaking events going on that awful day.
ReplyDeleteGod has brought us through so many ups & downs. I believe our country is only stronger because of it. Sort of a refining like gold thing.
We celebrated my grandmother's 91st birthday yesterday on 9/11. Each year she is here is a gift to me! I took the plunge and joined your link party. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I can't think of a more hopeful event than bringing a baby into the world and raising that child to love and follow God and to love all of those around them. Going to get a post to link up right now!
ReplyDeleteWe ran a video in church yesterday remembering that day...and then turned right around and worshiped the God who is still in control. What comfort we take in that!
ReplyDeleterichella! gorgeous post. And you are so right, our appreciation of The Good was heightened at that time of horror!
ReplyDeleteI wrote about 9/11 on my current blog yesterday,
http://www.fieldstonehilldesign.com/2011/09/where-were-we-ten-years-ago.html
but I linked up an old {not in my heart!} post about God's provision during my husband's unexpected unemployment. It is from my poor neglected blog {hard to keep up now that I run a business from Fieldstone Hill, and homeschool! gah!}
hugs. and happiest of birthdays to your Grace.
What a wonderful way to look at it! I had been married just over a month on 9/11 and it seemed like the whole world was changed. Wishing America would feel some of that unity again...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post - thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove to you all,
Renee (Grace's mom)
I was seven weeks pregnant and went to the doctor. I was able to see the heartbeat of our precious Preston on 9.11.01. Today he is a happy healthy nine year old. I have wonderful memories on such a tragic day in our nation. Thank you for your thoughts on this tenth anniversary.
ReplyDelete