ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This piece of art shows how darkness can shroud our vision – when the ugliest of humanity steps into our lives and destroys those we love and lose because of their actions. Feeling separated from God can result in those evil acts. Some may even blame Him.

There are days when we feel lost, as if in a dark forest, longing for escape. Some days remind us of emotions exposed and fill our thoughts with depression. Today is one of those days. Acts of terror in any shape or form, make us angry. They are times we’d rather forget, but we must remember the good along with the bad.

Looking back over the past 24 years since 09/11/2011 stirs a multitude of dark moments followed by a surge in pulling together in acts of bravery and patriotism. We said we’d never forget and most of us won’t. There is a whole generation who grew up never realizing how this would affect us and ultimately change our world.

It was an amazingly beautiful day, with skies of cloudless blue and fresh clean air reminding us of the glory of the change in seasons. Suddenly planes crashed into buildings right before our eyes on the television screens. Each attack stunned us and looked like a movie unfolding rather than an actual event. Many asked where God was during this time. Many were enraged and that rage evolved for many years to come. In the midst of all of it, God was there. Lives were lost. Multiple funerals were held. Families were torn apart. Years couldn’t mend the hearts of so many. but God was still there.

Today we struggle as lives are needlessly spent by those who have never experienced the love of God. He is always there for us. To lead us through the bad times and the good.

Times of turmoil and confusion, peace may seem aloof or gone,

Yet the Lord of all creation, stills the waters and the storm,

He will calm the rumbling seas, He can give relief from pain,

He can help you through all trouble, making loss become your gain,

Put your trust in His compassion. Put your faith in Him alone,

He provides for your salvation and will take you safely home.