On September 11, 2001the United States was attacked by an extremist group bent on the destruction of all that we as a nation hold dear. As a result, America lost over three thousand citizens. Today is the 7th anniversary of that horrible day. It was day on which fear and sadness took hold of each of us. However, in the midst of the terror, the true character of this nation was fully on display. On that day we laid aside all differences and came together. On that day, we were one thing and one thing only - citizens of the United States of America. Though we experienced tragedy and loss like never before, that day we were shaken out of our individual worlds and were brought together. Sadly, since then our country has lost much of that sense of community. We have put personal preference before common good, party politics over national concerns, and selfish desires over serving others.

Let us never forget how we felt on that day; not the sadness or horror we experienced, but the laying aside of self-interest which caused us to consider others more important than ourselves. Let us never forget that day, and let us work for the good of this country so that neither we nor our children will ever again have to feel that horror. Let us never forget the feeling of community, diligence, and servanthood. And by God's grace let us work to make those our every day anthems. Let us never forget the brave men and women in our nation's military that answer the call whenever needed, and make sacrifices for us every day. Let us never forget to pray for our leaders and our country as we go through the good times and the bad. Let us never forget to thank God for the blessings He has poured out on our lives and our country. And most importantly let us never forget that no matter how great, strong, or good a country we live in, it is only God's kingdom that is eternal.

Let us always be grateful for what God has given to us, and let us remember that no matter how dark and uncertain the future, we have a God who has taken care of our greatest need; salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our substitutionary sacrifice. He has prevailed against hell itself, so we need fear no man. Let us remember to pray to God, in prosperity and adversity, to have mercy on our great country and on our lives, that we may always be aware of His grace, mercy, and blessing.

God bless America

Evan