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All our lives were affected on September 11, 2001. But by God's grace, we've made it through another year unforgettably touched by what took place that day. We asked TCW readers to share how you've changed since that monumental date in American history. Here's what seven of you had to say.
—The Editors
From the Pentagon to the Front LinesOn September 11, 2001, I was as shocked as everyone else to learn a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Confused and bewildered, I sat at work watching the television as the next plane hit the second tower. As I went back to my desk, I overheard my supervisor on the phone ask, "The Pentagon's been hit?" As I turned back to the TV, I saw live news coverage of the crash at the Pentagon where my husband, Gary, worked.
I felt relieved because the news didn't make the damage look very bad, and Gary worked in the inner rings of the Pentagon. When I tried to call his cell phone, the lines were jammed. I went back to work, trusting God that Gary was safe working deep inside the building.
Later, as I continued to watch the coverage, I saw that part of the Pentagon had completely collapsed, even the inner rings. I trembled as I called my mother-in-law. We both cried at the thought of Gary being killed.
When we hung up, I sobbed in front of the TV as my phone rang. There was a delay when I answered, but then I heard the sweetest voice in the world, "Honey? Can you hear me?" The line clicked off shortly, but I no longer cried tears of sorrow, but of joy, relief, and thanksgiving—Gary was alive!
Words can't describe how wonderful it felt to hug him again. The plane hit while he and coworkers were watching the news on TV. Suddenly, the windows in their office shattered, and they all hit the floor. Many of Gary's friends and coworkers were killed.
Less than two weeks later, while still reeling from this event, Gary was called by his Army Reserve Unit to go to Afghanistan. His orders called for him to be gone for up to two years. He left November 1, 2001.
Thankfully, I receive e-mail from him daily and a phone call about once a week. The living conditions are primitive there. He sleeps in a tent, and sandstorms blow sand and dust everywhere. Fortunately, Gary's tough physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Daily I put Gary's life and mine in God's hands. It's hard to give up control, but I remind myself that while I have little power over life, God has ultimate power over everything at all times. I know God is good and desires good things for my family and me. I don't know why God spared my husband on September 11 while so many other women lost theirs. I'm not so naïve to think bad things will never happen to me. But I know I can trust God to help me overcome the hard times. Jesus even confirmed that "in this world [we] will have trouble," but he doesn't leave us stranded: "Take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). I trust him with the salvation of my soul; it only makes sense to trust him with the rest of my life.
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