Never Forget. Never Fear.

I remember exactly where I was twenty-five years ago today on that tragic Tuesday. As those terrorists were boarding planes, I was buckling my four-month-old firstborn into his car seat, venturing out to Bible study. I was a young mom desperate to find connection with God and with others. I had no idea what was about happen, the lives that would be lost and others that would be changed forever.

I remember the outfit my son had on that day. I remember the sense of urgency to get home and talk to my husband when they told us what had happened and dismissed Bible study early. I remember being glued to the TV and watching it all in utter disbelief.

Twenty-five years later, I truly believe the world we live in is continually being attacked every single day in a very different way. The terrorist of our souls, the father of lies, the enemy himself has launched a full out attack on all that is good and all that God has established and set into motion. Oh, he’s been at it since the beginning of time, but everyday his tactics manifest in different ways, more manipulative and relentless than the day before.

He will stop at nothing to see to it that we crash and burn.

And now, more than ever, we need to show up to Bible Study — not in a formal way, but in a desperate to know Him way. What does God’s Word say about all that’s going on in the world around us? You may be surprised to know it has quite a bit to say about it!

Knowing God through His Word helps us know how to handle all that opposes Him in this world. It’s our guide and compass. When we feel like things are spinning out of control and we may just lose our way, It brings us back to truth — truth that not only battles the lies, truth that defeats the lies, and always ends in victory.

As vivid as those images etched in our memory from 9/11/01, may the Word of God just as vividly be etched in our memory as we use it to overcome the attacks we face every day.

As united and steadfast as those heroes of Flight 93 were to divert the hijackers plans, so we as children of God should be united and steadfast, standing on the firm foundation of the Word of God and wielding it well together as our only offensive weapon against the hijacker of our hearts and the enemy of our souls.

He’s desperately trying to take down what God has built up and established. And in the past 25 years, he’s made quite a bit of headway. It can be pretty discouraging, and at times, downright depressing, looking at the division and disunity in the body of Christ today. But again, we must remember, the enemy does not win. We serve a God who sealed that victory over two millennia ago, and He has not stopped fighting on our behalf ever since.

Knowing the Word of God has never been more important. Banning together and being the body of Christ has never been more urgent.

So, when this date rolls around every year, I am reminded not only of the tragedy that happened that day, but of the bravery that was on display.

Every year, I whisper to myself, “never forget,” and I remind myself to “never fear.”

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John‬ ‭1:1-5‬, ESV)

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10,‬ ‭ESV)