A prayer for hope and healing

Graphic generously shared by Gooseberry Patch

Today, Patriot Day, is a somber reminder of that dreadful day, September 11, 2001.  The weather here in New Hampshire is even similar to what it was that day-- bright, sunny, breezy, a perfect September morning.

 9-11-2001 is one of those days of which many people can tell you exactly where they were when they first heard the unfolding, terrifying news.   I was at my parents' house that morning.   My daughter had met me there as we prepared to put down some new braided rugs in my parents' living room.  A friend was due to arrive to help with the task. She rushed in with the news that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. We immediately turned on the radio and heard the unfolding drama as it happened.

I remember fragments of our reactions.  My friend's young daughter ... I remember her horror as she realized that the planes that hit the towers were full of innocent people.  My mother ... at that time she had been ill with Parkinson's disease for several years already.  I recall her saying in a stunned way, "No one has ever attacked our country like this before."

Through my mind flashed thoughts of my aging parents and of my first granddaughter, only a few months old.  What sort of future were they facing?

We ladies all sat down and spent time in prayer for the situation. At that moment I just remember being overwhelmingly thankful that I know the God of the universe, and that all events are under His sovereign control -- even when they appear out of control. I remember thanking God that even though these events were a terrible shock to us, that they were no surprise to Him, and that somehow, in some way, He would bring good out of this national tragedy. I found that He increased my faith during those dark days, and I trust that others experienced this also.

This morning at Dayspring.com, I was so encouraged by this post written by Paige: A Patriot Day prayer for hope and healing.  We must never forget 9-11 and its important lessons.  But neither should we forget to pray for the families so affected that day, and for our beloved country.