A day to remember

September 11, 2001, a day that can never be forgotten. I can remember exactly what I was doing and where I was when I got the news of the attacks on the twin towers. I was teaching Pre-K at a Catholic school in Edmond, OK. The cook came into our classroom yelling, "We are under attack." "The US is under attack." Not being able to comprehend exactly what she was saying, we all huddled in the director's office watching a little black and white TV and I just couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing. My country, that I love, was being attacked by terrorists. The realization was we just arent safe anymore-anywhere!

On this day of remembrance I want to remind you that God was and still is with us in the midst of tragedies. The presence of tragedies does not mean the absence of God and the absence of tragedies does not mean the presence of God. As Christ followers, we are in the grip of God at all times. We are able to find peace that passes all understanding in the midst of tragedy. We are able to find hope that the mind can not fathom. We are able to stand firm when the world is crumbling around us. As wives, moms, friends, sisters we can know that in tough times such as this one, our faith begins to transcend between simply believing in God to believing God. When we just believe in God we don't get to experience that hope, peace, and foundation. Scripture tells us in James 2:9 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shutter." No, in times like this or in your own personal tragedy simply believing in God will just leave you hopeless and empty inside. When you make that transition to simply believing in God and believing God you are opened to a whole new world. A world where you get to believe God when he says, "He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit." (Psalm 34:14) You get to believe God when he says, "He is faithful even when we are faithless."(2 Timothy 2:12) You get to believe God when he says, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and future." (Jeremiah 29:11) You get to believe God when he says,"He works all things to the good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) Promise after Promise that you can stand on when things happen that you don't understand and that you can't possibly see any good.

In coaching terms God is the offensive coordinator in a sense. The offensive coordinator sees things up in the booth that others just don't see down on the field. 1 Corinthians says it this way, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." So as we remember this day and all the lives lost and as you endure what ever trial you may be facing today. Know that you are loved and safe in the arms of your heavenly father because that is what the creator of the universe says and you can believe Him!!