The heaviness of this day

This day has a two-fold significance for me. Not only did 9/11 happen on this day, but on this day 19 years ago my Sister, Courtney Danielle was born and taken straight to heaven.

On 09/11/2001, I was sitting in Mrs. Gorman's 4th year Spanish class when the phone rang instructing her not to turn on the t.v. Of course she immediately turned on the t.v. The rest of the day was a blur. No one was allowed to leave school and we watched the news in every class. So on this day I pray:

A Prayer for USA by David Cohen

I pray for the survivors of the attack on September 11, 2001.
I pray for the families who have lost loved ones.
I pray for the rescue workers and police on the scene.
I pray for the doctors and nurses caring for the hurting.
I pray for the reporters who work through intense emotion to bring us the pictures and news of the day.
I pray for the President and other elected leaders who so desperately need wisdom from beyond themselves.
I pray for the pastors in Washington and New York who care first-hand for the spiritual needs of those who have experienced this great tragedy.
I pray for the military and intelligence agencies who seek to find out who would do this so they might be brought to justice.
I pray for our nation -- that this event will bring us together and turn our thoughts toward helping each other to fight and VANISH the terrorism out of the world.
I pray for all those who might be tempted to think that violence accomplishes anything of lasting value. We've seen too much of it in the recent years.
Lastly, I pray for every peace lover in this world.
May God break the cycle of violence to make a difference for His Peace and Grace in this sinful world.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

In addition, I also reflect on God and his Sovereign mercy and his ultimate plan for us. I reflect on how different my life would be if I had a 19 y/o sister. I received a card from my grandmom today. Inside was this poem that she wrote 19 years ago:

Courtney Danielle

A special gift from GOD given to us

for a brief moment in time

To love and remember all of our lives

and to challenge our faith

The dream of a life given for it's own

special purpose~hidden for this moment

To be revealed fully in eternity

A precious deposit in heaven~now perfect and complete

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Reflections of Grandmom 09/12/91