HAL BRADY: We vividly remember

For sure, we will never forget the pictures and sounds of Sept. 11, 2001 — those hijacked planes and crumbling buildings; the immense human suffering; those heroic public servants and citizens; the memorial services; a nation under attack; a nation at prayer and a nation responding. Oh yes, we vividly remember. Even twenty years later, we vividly remember! However, upon 20 years of reflection we also remember some other things as well.

First, we remember that God is the source of our strength! Psalm 46 is a psalm of confidence. Undoubtedly, it was written during a time of national crisis. The entire psalm is in the plural. “God is our refuge and our strength” (psalm 46:1). Though the earth changes and the mountains shake, the psalmist affirms that God is our refuge and strength. You’ll remember the name of Todd Beamer. He was the hero who led the fight against the hijackers of United Flight 93 that ultimately crashed in a field near Shanksville, Penn. At 9:45 a.m. on that fateful day, after the hijackers had taken the plane, he called GTE operator Lisa Jefferson and asked her to say the Lord’s prayer with him. He was seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. Surrounded by terror, and knowing that he was likely facing his final moments, Todd prayed the words that Jesus taught us.