Perespective

Yesterday was nineteen years since the fateful day of 9/11 when terrorists attacked our country, when they flew planes into buildings and so many lost their lives. Even as I write this I can remember watching the news of the Twin Towers on fire, people jumping out of windows to escape the flames. I remember the first time I heard the voicemail of a man on one of the planes saying goodbye to his wife. I remember the anger, the fear, the outcry that must have reached all the way to heaven as our nation grieved. I remember seeing pictures and videos of the smoke that hung over New York City, and I remember how our firefighters and first responders rushed in. They tackled flights upon flights of stairs and worked tirelessly to get people out. So many heroes laid down their lives that day and we will never forget.

It's always a hard day as the memories come flooding back and my heart cries out for those who still have so much to grieve. I find myself praying for our country, even more then I normally do, on 9/11 each year. This year though my perspective was changed a bit. 

Here in Oregon we've had horrible wildfires, possibly some of the worst we've had in recent history. There's been smoke hanging in the air for the better part of the week. I've had friends and loved ones be evacuated or told to prepare to evacuate. I've spoken to people who have lost their homes and business. I've spoken to others who are just trying to leave the state rather then wait and see if their home will burn.

The other day I spoke to one woman who had a very interesting perspective on the smoke. She told me that she and her husband are historians and that her family is Polish. During World War 2 when Hitler was invading Europe she had family members who were caught in the destruction. She told me that when she looks at the smoke it reminds her of what it must have been like. And as scary as these fires are we have so much to be grateful for. We're not in a World War, and we still have firefighters and first responders who are laying their lives on the line to keep us safe.

As I pondered her words this week I looked at the calendar and started thinking about 9/11. I wasn't alive during World War 2 but I remember 9/11. And I have to agree with her. As terrifying as it has been with all of these fires, we have so much to be grateful for. Our firemen and first responders are once again rushing in to lay their lives on the lines. They are fighting back against the fires and working to keep us safe. And this time the thing they're fighting against isn't terrorists. It's nature.

As we remember 9/11 I would ask that you would keep our nation in prayer. As the West Coast continues to deal with these fires, please keep us in your prayers. As always please remember the words of Winston Churchill, "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." and keep our leaders and our world in your prayers. Through it all keep your perspective and never forget.