Photograph Credit: Flickr (Ben Whitehouse)

To all First Responders:

Thank you for what you did 10 years ago and continue to do today. 

Ten years ago, do you remember where you were, and what you were doing when you heard the news? I was working alone in my office. What seemed like an ordinary day changed when the telephone rang. As I answered, I was met with “Are you all right?” The agent on the other line had been watching some news coverage while working. He needed details on a case and called to get the answers and to see if I had heard anything.

When the agent was not forthcoming about the morning’s events, he suggested I go turn on the television. After finishing our conversation, I took a stroll out of my office down to the Senator’s hallway where I discovered the news.

My first response was shock. The second plane had already hit the second tower. Knowing that I needed to get back to the office, I asked for a call if there were any other incidents.

Within the hour, our presiding judge closed our federal courthouse for the day. After a call to Paul informing him of the news, I went home. As I entered the lobby of our apartment complex, I was met by a managing agent seeking more information. After assuring her that she knew more than I did, since I had been away from the news coverage, I went home.

Once inside the apartment, I remember staying glued to the television coverage and praying for our leaders, the first responders, and victim’s families. The events stunned me so that I was numb. After days of processing that morning’s events, I found comfort and security in my Heavenly Father.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you (Psalm 33:18-22).

Today, in remembrance of September 11, 2001, our security and comfort continues to come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! May you find security, peace, and rest in God alone.