I remember feeling very different on 9-12-2001 than I did any day before. In some way I have felt that way again after the death of Charlie Kirk, and with all that is going on in the world right now, I am not really sure what to expect next. In 2001, the television was nothing but news, and it was all heartbreaking. It seemed as if time stood still and the world stopped spinning. Videos captivated our minds; we saw people jumping to their deaths out of fear of being burned alive. I remember seeing disturbing pictures and reading different memes days and even weeks after 9-11-2001. A few years back I remember seeing a picture that said, “I miss 9/12. I would never want another 9/11, but I miss the America of 9/12. Stores ran out of flags to sell because they were being flown everywhere. People were Americans before they were upper/lower class, Jewish/Christian, Republican/Democrat. We hugged people without caring where they came from. On 9/12, what mattered more to us was what united our country, not divided us.” Before 9/11, and it seems more evident in recent years, we have experienced what happens to a nation when people stop seeing one another as human beings made in God’s image. There is one Bible verse that comes to mind as I reflect back on that time in our history. It is written in *Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” After the dust cleared and the memorial services were taken care of, the churches were full, people seemed to be praying more, there was unity in America, and Americans were helping other Americans cope the best they could. It didn’t matter who they were or where they came from. Political parties were set aside; color or creed didn’t matter. People all over our country were seeking God. It’s sad that it took a huge act of evil to unite us and bring us together as family, but that united front didn’t last too long. It slowly faded away, and we became complacent. It is even sadder that we forgot those feelings of unity as time has passed and most went back to their old ways of life. Today it feels like we live in divisive times again. Some Americans today can’t even have discussions with someone else because they hold different political beliefs and haven’t learned how to discuss certain topics without being offended. As I reflect on the prayers of the people during the time of terror, the love that Americans had for one another, and the helpful spirit that we all shared, I keep coming back to these words: “I don’t want another 09/11, but I do miss the America of 09/12.” But I still believe there is hope for us. I believe God can take even these difficult and divided times and use them to remind us of what truly matters—faith, love, compassion, forgiveness, and our responsibility to one another. I have hope that America can find its way back to the spirit of 9/12, not because our differences will suddenly disappear, but because we can choose to put aside the things that divide us, stand together with courage and conviction, and remember that before we are anything else, we are Americans—and above all, we are people created by God for a purpose. Maybe that is what I miss most about 9/12: for just a little while, we remembered that we needed each other, we remembered to pray, and we remembered that love was stronger than fear. I pray that we don’t have to experience another tragedy to remember it again. I pray that we can choose it now—freely, intentionally, and with faith—because I still believe God is not finished with America, and I still believe there is a better chapter ahead if we are willing to seek Him, love one another, and stand together for truth. My prayer: Lord, have compassion on those who are grieving, hurting, afraid, or struggling to find their way through these uncertain times, and remind us that every life has value and every person is worthy of love. Give us the courage and conviction to stand for truth while still showing grace, to disagree without hatred, and to choose compassion over division, remembering that we are called to love our neighbors and one another. And Lord, give us hope for our nation and for our future, turn our hearts back toward You, bring healing where there is brokenness, unity where there is division, and help us become the kind of people who no longer need tragedy to remind us how much we need each other. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.