By Kirk Hymes
Twenty-three years ago today, we had the largest loss of life by a foreign attack on American soil. Nearly 3,000 people were killed at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a plane crash near Shanksville, PA. It was a tragic event that impacted us all.
I remember the stories about the impact these events had on families, friends, and our way of life. Air travel changed–people changed!
One of the tragedies of that day was the total shock of the event. We as a nation never expected that anything of that level of magnitude could or would happen—especially on our own soil.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus tells us that we will have trouble in this world. So, we should not be a bit surprised when tragedy happens. Jesus said it and I believe him. Whether it is on a large scale like the attacks of 9/11, or a loved one being involved in a car accident, we will have trouble in this world.
Jesus’s words are recorded in John. Written for us so long ago. He informed us so that we might know that in Him we may have peace. Remember, Jesus has overcome the world.
I would encourage you to share this with everyone you know. Share it, especially with your family. Talk to your kids and loved ones about why in Jesus, we may have peace. Have a strategy. Develop a tragic event survival kit. Help them be better prepared when tragedy strikes. They will be better prepared if they talk through things before tragedy happens.
Will this take the total sting out of losing a loved one? Absolutely not. But laying a foundation of Jesus’ love and how He’s overcome the world will give us all greater peace and help us better deal with things when the trouble in this world does strike.
Kirk Hymes is the LCEF District Vice President for the Southeastern District and the Executive Director for Stewardship. Kirk is a Retired Marine and combat Veteran and is active in the SED Coaching Network. He and his wife Tracy are members at St Stephens Lutheran in Hickory, NC.
Email khymes@se.lcms.org