9/11 – Twenty Years Later

Ever since I signed up for the Patriot Day (Never Forget ‐- 2001-2021) 5k/10k I thought about how I would approach not only this race but how I would write about it. I hope that my words strike a cord with you today.

When I walk I usually listen to a podcast or scripture. But as I laced up my shoes today I decided to listen to a YouTube playlist of worship music that was complied by my dear friend Vanessa who blogs at Brave, Blessed & Beautiful. It was the perfect choice to help me process my memories of the fateful day that changed our lives forever.

I completed this “run” with my best time yet. I give all the credit to God for my success. Along my route I discovered that a couple of my neighbors were also participating in this same event.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air;but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, – Hebrews 12:1 NASB

Last year I wrote Remembering 9-11 (9/11/2020) it is about where I was when I heard the news and the struggles that I had in the weeks and months following terrorist attack on our country. I was a much different person in that season. With God’s help I will never return to that dark place. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. – Matthew 5:4 NASB

When I came across the following quote yesterday, I knew that I needed to share it with you.

As you lay your head to rest tonight….. remember this…… 20 years ago 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted. #AlwaysRemember #NeverForget #NYPD #FDNY #NYC #NewYork #ArmedForces #TheDayBefore #neverforgetneverexpires

Original writer unknown.