September 11th: A Nation Turns to God For Peace

All of us remember where we were September 11, 2001. It is a day that will live on in our minds forever as we rewind and play back the memories of that awful day. Even I, at the age of 10, remember watching history unfold in front of me on my family's television screen. From the initial plane crash, thought to be an accident, to the second plane crash, to the Pentagon, to Pennsylvania, all of these images of terrorism flashed by leading up to the ultimate horror of so many lives being lost as those two iconic towers, along with a country and its people, had their world turned upside down, and came crashing down. America, the land of the free, the home of the brave, was now left in the dark, and in fear that September day. As the country mourned the loss of those, at the time, known and unknown there was only one place people could turn to find solace. "In God We Trust" was something Americans had always heard before but now it was time to start living it.
       The Book of Mormon prophesies of America and its freedom by saying "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ." September 11th was a brutal awakening for all. In order for us, as Americans, to remain free and find the peace through our struggles, caused by these horrible events, we needed to serve and trust in God once again, just as our forefathers had done.

     As the nation turned to prayer, church, and singing anthems of praise such as "God Bless America" something amazing happened. Despite the hurt, despite the pain, despite the fears and tears, America became knit together in unity and in love one towards another through God.(Mosiah 18:21)
     Now here we are 10 years later. Where do we stand today as a country? Do we still trust in God, or have we allowed our faith to slip once again? I often wonder if we, as a country, as a nation, need an awakening yet again. Let us hope and pray that it doesn't take a similar series of unfortunate events to refocus our attention on the true ruler of this nation. Instead let this 10 year anniversary of September 11th cause us to reflect on that dark day. Let us take the glowing embers of the fire, the lessons learned, and leave the ashes behind. Let us reflect on our relationship and faith in and with God. The words and counsel from the third verse of our nations national anthem should be our guiding star.

       Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."  

Let us fear not. God is with us. He will give us aid and be our guide if we will come and put our trust in him once more. This is my promise, this is my prayer. God Bless America! Let us never forget September 11th.  In the name our our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Watch this video below to see how one man's September 11th experience changed his life for the better. Also Click Here to learn more about viewing The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 9/11: Rising Above concert.