Monday, September 11, 2006

IN HONOR OF 9/11

I remember waking up late and getting ready for class, driving to school and entering the classroom only to hear my professor give the grim details of the morning's events. We pulled a tv in from the AV closet and everyone huddled around it. We were all in shock... and confused as well as fearful. We stopped to pray, and before long class was over and we all migrated downstairs for chapel. No one knew why the plane had flown into the first tower. It was really hard to pay attention, but our school's President was interweaving the day's events into his message. Not long after that we went to the coffee shop to wait for the next class and that's when we saw the other plane fly into the second tower. Then, in complete unbelief, I knew that this wasn't an accident. My mind couldn't fathom someone intentionally crashing into a building, no less two planes and two buildings, but there it was. I skipped class that day and stayed there in the coffee shop watching the tv, crying, praying, and hoping for some answer. And just as I had seen the second plane fly into the first building, I saw one come down after the other... My compassion turned to anger and I felt helpless. People were saying "terrorists", "Muslim terrorists". I heard on the news that the terrorists were taking part in jihad (holy war) in honor of their god Allah. It was at this point that many people began asking about Allah's identity verses the Christian God, Jehovah. Many people thought they were the same, but they are not.

A professor and friend of mine, Dr. Ergun Caner wrote several books with his brother about Islam. For those who don't know the difference between Allah and Jehovah you should definately check out the link below. I had the honor of writing the opening chapter to a collaborative book entitled "Voices Behind the Veil". You can view more about these books by visiting: http://www.erguncaner.com.

This is my short account of my experience on 9/11. Every time I see a plane now I expect it to blow up or crash into a building. Southwest airlines flies right over downtown Dallas and every plane I see is headed for the Chase bank building... or at least that's what I expect to happen. Every time I go to the airport, or get on a plane I'm looking for an out... I'm thinking of what I could use to defend myself, my two year old daughter, my husband. And every time I hear a chopper or jet overhead I expect that terrorists are near. I don't live in a state of panic, but I think that if we were all honest about our experience, we could all say that we definitely see our world in a new way now. I know I do. I feel the need to always be prepared for the worst. If I weren't a Christian I would probably go mad, but I know that Jesus has a plan for my life, so I live prepared, and hope in His provision.

Anyone that would like to share their experience here is welcome to, and anyone who would like more information about my faith in Jesus, please don't hesitate to post, call, or email me.

God Bless America

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