Every year…

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  Terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people that day, and those who rushed to help in the rescue and clean-up efforts continue to die of illnesses attributed to toxic conditions at the World Trade Center.

It was a day filled with hate and horror, but also love and hope; the years since have brought more of each.

Every year, we as Americans share our memories and grief and encourage each other to preserve our resolve never to forget.

Every year, Alan Jackson’s song makes me cry.

As we remember our nation’s tragedy and the lives lost, let us also remember to pray.

Let us pray for the families and friends who grieve loved ones who died that day and in the wars that have followed.

Let us pray for those who continue to risk their lives to keep others safe.  Let us pray for healing for those who risked their health and wholeness to help others.

Let us pray for our leaders to discern the right answer to each challenge and problem and to have the courage and support to follow it.

Let us pray for changed hearts within those who would harm us and others, and pray for the safety of those among them informing us of their plans.

Let us pray for a world of peace, love, and justice.

“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)?”

by Alan Jackson

For those interested, this article discusses the story of Jackson writing this song.

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day?
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

Chorus:
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

Chorus:
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

Chorus:
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning
That September day?…

Lyrics courtesy of LetsSingIt
http://artists.letssingit.com/alan-jackson-lyrics-where-were-you-when-the-world-stopped-turning-f1m6dps#ixzz3D1ee9Ive