Remembering September 11th 

 The Pentagon Memorial 

I can remember like it was yesterday. I was a graduate student at Clark Atlanta University serving as the dorm director of Bumstead Hall. I happened to have been up and the TV was on CNN. It caught my attention because I could tell that it was unscripted and newscasters seemed to be at a loss for words. As I started watching, the details were sketchy, but minutes later I saw live as the second plane flew into the second tower. I will never forget that day. I will never forget the terrible event that caught us all off guard, yet re-united our country.

This past August my family, the Hunt family, had our family reunion in the Alexandria, Va/Washington D.C. area. One of the things I was able to do while there was visit the Pentagon Memorial with Aubrey and one of my besties, Sam.

The memorial was designed so that the nation may remember and reflect on the events that occurred on September 11, 2001. Indeed, I did reflect. As we walked the sacred grounds and read the names of people that I never knew, but will never forget, I thought about lives that ended too soon. I thought about family members and friends left behind.

It was a blessing to visit and see the 184 benches in honor of the 184 people who lost their lives on that day. Each bench is placed according to the age of birth. The youngest victim was Dana Falkenberg, only 3 years old. I thought about her a lot. A life snuffed out way to young. It’s hard to think about someone so young who died such a tragic and untimely death, but it was her that consumed my thoughts for most of the time there.

I left the memorial thinking about death and how it’s no respecter of person or age. It strikes whenever and many times unsuspected.  We can’t run from it, but we sure haven’t learned to embrace it. It’s a part of life. As sure as the sun of life rises, the going down of death is sure to follow.

The takeaways I took from this experience are: 

• Live life with no regrets. Stop putting off till tomorrow what you can do today. We live life with so many excuses for why we aren’t pursuing our dreams or doing the things that brings us joy and happiness. There is not enough money, time, skill, talent, education, etc. We can’t continue to allow these to dictate our progress. If God truly put it in your heart then start to plan your way and he will direct your steps. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” What is your 1st step going to be? At the end of the day, I rather say, “Oh, well” than “What if.” I refuse to die with vision in me that I haven’t attempted to get out.
• Don’t hold onto grudges. “Holding onto  a grudge is like holding on to a hot stone. It doesn’t hurt the stone or the person that gave it to you; it only hurts the one holding it.” Drop it right now! The more you carry the grudge the more you suffer. It’s like you empowering the person to hurt you over and over again. Set yourself free.
• Give lots of hugs & kisses. Never go a day without telling your family and friends how much you love and value them. Affirm them often. Remember what Maya Angelou said, “People don’t always remember what you said or did, but they do remember how you made them feel.” Make the people in your life feel like a million bucks.
• Be a blessing. Don’t always be on the receiving end only. Be a blessing to someone. It could be something as small as speaking kind words to someone, lending a helping hand in a time of need or just being a listening ear.
• Live for Eternity. I saw a pic on FB that said, “Life is short. Eternity isn’t.” How true! If you don’t have a personal relationship with God, ask Him to come into your life right now. Pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe that you died upon the cross for me, that you shed your precious blood for the forgiveness of my sin. And I believe that on the third day, you rose from the dead, and went to Heaven to prepare a place for me.  I accept you now as my Savior, my Lord, my God, my friend, my daddy. Come into my heart, Jesus, and set me free from shame, bondage and sin.  And, because you are my Savior, Jesus, I shall not die, but have everlasting life.  In Jesus name, Amen!” It’s that simple now join a bible believing church so that you can learn more about the word of God and how to live for Him.  

Life is precious. It is a great gift from God. Live it to the fullest!

This is a view of the 184 benches at the Pentagon Memorial.

Miss Aubrey reflecting at the Pentagon Memorial.

Miss Aubery sitting on one of the 184 benches.

 You can actually call 202. 741.1004 for the auto tour.

Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? What did you think when you first heard? How did Sept. 11 change your life?

I pray these words have been an encouragement and/or had a positive impact upon you. Remember we all have a voice, this blog is my avenue to share mine. Please share yours by leaving a comment. If it has blessed you then share with your friends and family. Consider subscribing and if you are reading this from your inbox click here to leave a comment. If you need prayer, I would love to pray for you just submit them to the contact me from located to your right. Also, if you haven’t gotten your copy of In Search of True Beauty, click here. Thanks for your continued support!

-Cindy

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