I can remember being in college on 9/11. Classes were getting canceled, and the atmosphere was unsettling. I sat at a friend’s house near campus watching the chaos from the first plane, and then the second plane. I remember calling my Dad, who was still in the military. He told me that everyone was being called in. He hadn’t received many details, nor were they needed; our country was in trouble, and our soldiers would defend.

Amidst the shock of what was happening, the tragic loss of life,  the destruction, and the fear of what could be to come, one thing that we saw clearly on 9/11 was the heroism of our first responders. They reminded us of the sacrifice, compassion, and bravery that they’d always had, but now displayed in such a way that we couldn’t miss. They united our nation in gratitude for the power of good over evil.

Sadly, in a current time where public safety challenges threaten much of our country, factions of our society lead calls of ingratitude, like “defund the police.” How quickly we have forgotten the good of so many who serve us. Our communities will continue down this dangerous path unless we have strong leaders who are committed to the first responders who sacrifice themselves for the sake of others.

The Bible says in Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Who among us will be bold and courageous to stand against the forces that seek to take our freedoms and lead us astray?

9/11 will always be remembered as a dark hour in our nation that birthed a thankfulness for so many who sacrificed. We have glimpsed the passing of the torch in recent years, when bold citizens and businesses were willing to join alongside first responders for the sake of others who faced danger and destruction.

We pray for God’s grace to lead in that same spirit of sacrifice as we seek to rebuild our communities, revive our families, and rejoice together in thankfulness for the great people we live with, and the great country we live in.

America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

Let us not forget.