Let us never forget

Greetings:
The memories of this day 17 years ago linger fresh in our minds. We can all remember  where we were that morning.
It still hurts.
The date Sept. 11, 2001 will forever stand out as a day to remember and reflect on our nation and its future.
On that day, 19 cowardly, heinous terrorists flew commercial planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and into a field in Pennsylvania.
The September 11 attacks resulted in 2,996 immediate deaths: 2,977 victims and the 19  hijackers, also perished.
These attacks on our nation produced horrific carnage, stunned the world and caused many to turn for consolation in spiritual faith and God's Holy Word.
This just wasn't an attack on the United States.  More than 90 countries lost citizens in the attacks on the World Trade Center alone.
In different degrees we all experienced a kind of emotional meltdown that day and for some time afterward.
The pain and grief of 9/11 has moderated some, but the memories remain.
We have had other attacks and threats by the cowardly Islamic terrorist ISIS. These are real  threats that we all need to take seriously. We need to be praying for God's protection and guidance on how to eradicate this human cancer.
We must not let something like 9/11 make us run from God's truth, when what we need is to run toward it all the more.
One part of that unwavering truth is that evil is real. We all saw the manifestation of evil that historic day.
Let us take comfort on this day from the words that Paul etched in Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God."
On this day let us remember the many innocent lives lost and the lessons learned that day. This nation was rocked on 9-11, but let it be remembered that the U.S.A. still stands strong. We are a blessed nation where freedom reigns and in God's holy name is where our trust remains.
Be blessed.