Nearly every generation has at least one event that occurs that those who live through it will never forget.
In my case, I actually have lived through several of those events, with the most recent, of course, being the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
But if I can just pick one that had the greatest impact on me, it would have to be Sept. 11, 2001, more commonly known as just 9/11.
This particular issue of the Baptist and Reflector is dated Sept. 11. As I saw that the anniversary fell on this date, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on that fateful day 23 years ago.
I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast or what I did last week, but that day remains etched in my memory. The offices of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (then the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention) were still in Brentwood at 5001 Maryland Way.
The Executive Board was preparing to meet that morning for its annual September meeting, but when news of the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., hit the television stations early that morning, everyone’s thoughts and prayers were focused on our country.
When the first crash was reported no one really realized it was a planned terrorist attack but it soon became apparent that it was no accident.
Lonnie Wilkey
The Executive Board conducted the business it had to complete but a lot of time was spent in prayer for our nation. We needed it that day and it is still needed 23 years later more than ever.
In the issue following 9/11, I wrote, “Terrorists carried out an evil act against America. I believe it could have been much worse had it not been for God’s grace. Let’s face reality. America as a whole has turned from God. We live in a country where immorality abounds.
“We live in a country where if you mention ‘God’ or ‘Christianity,’ the ACLU or some other organization is there to file suit because you are ‘trampling on their rights.’ If ever a country deserved the wrath of God, America surely does.
“Fortunately, however, we have a God of grace who hears the prayers of His people. And there have been many Christians here in America who have been praying for this country. I believe those prayers have kept us from being wiped off the face of this earth. God is not through with us yet.”
For a brief period of time, I truly believed Americans were beginning to rely on God once again. Secular media and government leaders called on Americans to pray. They did briefly, but it didn’t last long.
I couldn’t imagine it on Sept. 12, 2001, the day after 9/11, but our country is in worse shape now than it was then. Since 9/11, same-sex marriage is legal. The transgender movement has expanded. Biological men can identify as “women” and use women’s restrooms. Men can play on women’s sports teams. Language we never would have heard 23 years ago on television or the radio is commonplace today.
While we had computers when 9/11 hit, we didn’t have the extremes of social media that we have today. Children and youth are bombarded by messages of sex, alcohol and drugs on a daily basis. The American Psychological Association reported last year that 20 percent of teenagers have considered suicide.
Our government has not done a good job of protecting our nation. Our borders are not secure. Thousands of people illegally enter our country every day. The more insecure our borders remain, the greater the possibilities for future terrorist attacks.
Many Americans have lost hope in our nation. The only way to regain our hope is to put our faith and trust in God. God has not left us. We have left Him. The only reason America still exists is God still has His hand on us.
How long His hand remain on us remains to be seen. It’s up for Americans “to repent and turn from our wicked ways.” We survived 9/11 because of the prayers of His people. That’s our only hope for not only today, but for our future as well.” B&R
