I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

September 11, 2001. I can remember, still, the disbelief of everyone in my office as we stared at the TV that another coworker had brought in. None of us was quite sure it was really happening. Speculation, fear and anger hung in the air like a poisonous cloud. We could only watch on, as more of the tragedy unfolded. Nobody could possibly have imagined where the events of that terrible day would eventually lead our nation...and the world.

I was in the military at the time, and the thought on everyone's mind was this: "When do we go?" Some said it, out loud, with apprehension and fear; some said it with conviction and zeal, eager for payback..but everyone was thinking it...everyone.

Whatever innocence was left in the hearts and minds of Americans at-large had now been completely lost, for all time. No longer were we untouchable; safe, in a bubble of condfidence, oblivious to the danger in the world. No longer could our children play, unburdened with the knowledge of the evil that men do. No, we were touched, against our will and with malign purpose. We were thrust into a new era of darkness, being forced to reconcile the sensless loss several thousand of our own.

Every moment, since then, has been laden with the various consequences, both terrible and triumphant, set in motion by that single day. Many more lives have been lost, and many more have been saved. It is what it is.

There is hope. The Son of God overcame the world, more than 2,000 years ago. Many acts of horror and violence have taken place since, and many wars have been waged the world over. However, the Lamb of God, remains the same: Victorious, in a world that we know will only get worse. Yet, through him, we experience peace in the eye of the storm.

Focus on him today; the one in whom you have placed all of your hope. He knows everyone who has ever suffered. He knows every thought or feeling they've ever had. He knows where they came from and where they were going. He was with them...even at the end.