Today is the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. "We will never forget" was the constant refrain. A generation has been born since that day. They have nothing to remember, only stories told them.
I've written about 9/11 many times. On the 10th anniversary I wrote this: "It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the terrorist attacks.
Growing up, I remember hearing people say, "I remember exactly where I
was when I heard that JFK was shot" and I didn't understand.
Unfortunately, now I do. The flood of emotions will not be forgotten."
I was working at
Amgen at
the time and was on my way to work when I first heard the news. Both
Towers had been hit, along with the Pentagon. What in the world was
going on? What an eerie feeling, so sobering and frightening. I looked
into the shocked faces of my co-workers and knew that's what I looked
like as well. I don't remember getting any work done that day. Just
staring at the images on my computer, reading over and over reports of
the attacks.
We in California were blessed that none of the attacks occurred in our
state, but the impact was still felt. As the day progressed, word
spread that an Amgen Clinical Development team had been in Washington,
D.C. The team was there for meetings with the FDA regarding approval
for a new drug. Later in the day, team members checked in, reporting
they were okay, but stranded in D.C. for the time being. They had been
scheduled for a Tuesday afternoon flight. Then we got word that Dora
Menchaca, the team leader, had changed her flight to Tuesday morning.
She was on American flight 77 that flew into the Pentagon.
I remember the first time we flew after 9/11. We flew from the Burbank
airport and I was a nervous wreck. The sight of guardsmen did not give
me comfort, it just reminded me of all that was lost on the day.
While I remember, I also know where my hope is found. Governments and armies can't give me hope or peace, but there is a Rock that I can stand on. Psalm 18:2 says, "The Lord
is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in
whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high
tower."
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
