This photograph, reminiscent of the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima, depicts a story of courage under fire like we’ve never seen before. On 09/11/2001 our nation was ravaged by a group of those intent on destroying our existence. Twenty years later, we’re still under the cloud of that fateful day. What have we learned from watching disaster unfold on our television sets, knowing that lives were being shatter within our own borders? That day will be honored again in two weeks. Has anything really changed? Twenty years can erase a lot of bad memories, but we must never let the images of that day be erased from our history.

In twenty years why did we lose respect for our government? Why did we see an unfolding of corruption within law enforcement? Where has our trust in humanity gone? Most of those in their young adult lives today, never knew the spirit of patriotism that boiled in the hearts of Americans when this attack occurred. As babies and young children, they were oblivious to the feelings of betrayal, hatred and loss. In twenty years, we tried to protect those children from this kind of hurt. We provided ways for them to live life to the fullest. To shield them from unrest. To protect them from those same feelings. In doing so, we may have created a generation that doesn’t know how to react to crisis. A generation that takes all our freedoms for granted. A generation that feels entitled to everything the government owes them.

As time went by, old wounds were soon forgotten. Things returned to normal – or did they? Focus on internal affairs began to fester. Who caused these issues? Who did this to us? Forgetting that we have many enemies in the world and within our own borders, we became obsessed with blaming others for all the bad that was happening around us. We forgot that God was still in control. We now face that same enemy. The same people bent on destroying our nation are coming out of the woodwork and if we let them, they will succeed . . . again. Our prayers for America, for our leaders, for our fellow man and woman are vital. We should turn our hearts to the only One who can create order in confusion and bring reason and understanding in situations that make no sense at all.

Dear, Father, God,

You alone are in control of this planet and every part of the universe. In spite of our hard headedness, our weakness and our foolishness, You’ve always been there for us. We ask that you watch over our country – our United States of America – and be with us as we face our enemies. We have gone astray. We’ve not placed our trust in You. We often give up before we even start, but you still love us. You promise to be with us and we know that you always keep your promises. Help us remember that you also created our enemies – that we’re told to care about them as You did when you offered salvation to all people. Bring back a love for our country. Lift us out of the quagmire of hate, blame, fear, hate and deception. Show us the right way to go. You are our fortress, our rock, our hope for the future and will always be faithful to us, even when we forget to serve you first. Deliver us from those who hate us and would destroy us. Give us understanding and discernment. Send Your Holy Spirit to ignite a new fire in the hearts of Americans to defend what so many have died for. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!