Remembering the Source of Our Strength

It's this generation's, "I'll never forget where I was when I got the news."

9/11.

I was in Tuesday Mornings when everyone in the store started talking about planes flying into the World Trade Towers. Chills covered my body as I listened to radio reports on the way home and then watched the videos in disbelief and horror.

It's hard to believe that the 10th anniversary of that terrible day is coming this weekend. Every year it seems fresh all over again, and this year as I prepare for a trip out of the country to India, it's a struggle to overcome the anxiety and vulnerability that now comes with being American.

Lauren Manning, author of the newly released book Unmeasured Strength and survivor of the attack on the towers, spoke on the Today show this morning about lessons that she has learned through her experience and long recovery.

Lauren was burned on over 80% of her body and endured 25 surgeries and years of physical therapy to restore her body. She looked beautiful this morning as she described her "new normal" and gaining a comfort with the body she now inhabits.

"We are all touched by wounds in some way," Lauren said, "...illness, violence.... We are all touched by it but need not be held by it."

She is such a testament to the power of the human spirit. Although she didn't speak of faith, her life speaks of the God-image that is present in each of His creation. It's the part of us that loves life and battles against death. It's the part that clings to hope against tremendous odds. It's the part that loves family and fights sacrificially to maintain those relationships.

As we remember this weekend, I want the Source of our "unmeasured strength" to be praised.

Thank you, God, for being the Redeemer even in this terrible act. We pray that you give strength to the victim's families this weekend and strength to the anxious hearts of Americans as we face our enemies. We pray that Your love fills our hearts so that we can fervently pray not just for our own protection but also for our enemies' salvation. Your strength is unmeasurable and we pray that as you fill us that we'll recognize You.