Memories of 9/11—A Military Family Remembers

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I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. — Psalm 77:11,12

I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. — Psalm 89:1,2

The Bible encourages us to remember—experiences, dates, trials, lessons, relationships, etc. Why? To be reminded of God’s faithfulness. By looking back at significant times in our lives and seeing God’s hand at work, we have the confidence to face each day’s demands—and look forward to future challenges.

Because of this biblical admonition, I keep a unique journal. Each page in my binder represents a day of the year . . . and since 1998 I have recorded a brief 3-5 sentence summary—a verbal “souvenir” of sorts—with what I was thinking about or doing that particular day. Having that record allows me to begin each day with time dedicated to reading what God has done. If certain memories involve my adult children, I let them know with a simple, “Do you know what happened this day back in 2005?” There is always something with which I can encourage them—and I thank God for that.

There are certain days none of us will ever forget—and September 11, 2001, is one of them. “Where were you on 9/11?” is a question which never fails to engage another in conversation. Sara Horn, founder of Wives of Faith and author of the military favorites A Greater Freedom, God Strong and Tour of Duty, along with her more recent My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife, My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife, and How Can I Possibly Forgive? last month took the opportunity to think back to 9/11 and write a poignant message to her 13-year-old son, Caleb. The thirteen year time-span which she recalls allows her to include lessons learned during her husband’s three 10-month deployments.

So I include her very personal writing to encourage all of us to take time to remember. I believe it will be quite inspirational for those of you who have children—and who wonder how others teach their children about deployment memories.

The posting on her blog is entitled “13 years After 9/11, a note to my 13-year-old son.” With her permission, I ask you all to read it, think back, and thank God for His faithfulness.

13 years after 9/11, a note to my 13-year-old son

Questions to Share:

1. Which of Sara’s “You don’t knows” can you relate to? Why?

2. Which of Sara’s “You knows” can you relate to? Why?