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Topic: Surprised (09/06/07)
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TITLE: I Can Not Believe This Happened | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Falcone
09/11/07 -
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It was a sunny September morning as I sat spending time with the Lord. I had just turned on my favorite radio study program when an urgent message was transmitted.
Something was happening. I could feel the fear coming from the broadcaster; and I rushed to turn on our television news channel.
The moment the picture came into focus I saw before my eyes a plane hit a major building in New York City. I recognized it was the Twin Towers. I saw all the fire and destruction and a cold chill went through me.
I began praying and listening for more details. This could not be happening to our country. How could anyone have surprised our security and military systems like this?
As the day unfolded I set about contacting all my family. I just needed to hear their voices. My husband is normally very hard to reach, as he is a postman and out on his route early. But this morning he had not left the office, when this event began. I heard the calm assurance of his voice as he explained what had been relayed to him from the U.S. Postal Service.
I confirmed what I knew as it was blazing across the news lines. He then wanted to know how I planned on handling that evening's plans. I was not sure what I was going to do, but I told him to pray for me as I let the Lord show me step by step what He had in mind.
My next call was to Karen. I was scheduled to do a jewelry show with her that night. It was to be the beginning of her own new business, and I was to coach her through the details.
I then asked Karen what she felt we needed to do. She works in a hospital, so her first reaction was that she might be needed to work overtime. Also knowing Karen's son was in the Marine Reserves; I was not sure anyone would be interested in having fun with our country in such a serious disaster.
She advised she would call me back later. As I hung up I wondered how could we bring hope to others who needed it right now?
Karen decided to go ahead and keep our plans; as long as
we could make sure people felt safe, and informed of what was going on. I had mixed emotions about going, but I knew I had to be there for her, even is no one else chose to come.
As I got ready that night I prayed for calm and assurance of God's love and protection for all of us. I felt at peace and left knowing I was going where God had planned for me to be this very special night.
As I drove into Karen's driveway, I was totally surprised. I realized people had already started coming, even though it was still early. As I entered her home, I felt a controlled calmness. The television was on and everyone was glued to every word.
As I was setting up our display, I saw how God had
brought a group of ladies together for a plan and a purpose. As we began to share I learned one lady had a son in the military, and he had already contacted her to let her know that he was on alert for anything that was to happen going forward. Then another one suggested we pray for each other and for our country and leaders.
I had the awesome privilege of being part of something special in the lives of those ladies and their families and mine that night. We prayed, laughed, cried, hugged, and shared a common bond. We all needed to know God was still in control, and would take care and protect us, no matter what had happened.
How did Karen do at the beginning of her new business that night? It was very successful; and we still share the memory of September 11, 2001, every year.
As for myself, I went home feeling I had done what I was called to do; that of encouraging and helping others face the reality of our fears. And then by sharing that "God is big enough to perform miracles as needed. That His answers are bigger than our prayers, and His promises are greater than our problems."
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This was well-written--but perhaps a bit weak on topic. I enjoyed reading this memoir.