Wednesday, September 11, 2019

“Oh God! Oh..”


Daily Thoughts – September 11th  

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14

What will your last words be?  When is your last night on earth?  When will you last hug your child, your spouse, your parents, or siblings.  Face it, for the majority of us, we have no control over our last breath, or last words, or actions.

The last words of many center around the acknowledgement of God Almighty.  One of the most chilling audio tapes I have heard this week came from a 911 emergency call from a man named Kevin Cosgrove (WARNING: content may be disturbing).  He was on the 105th floor in the South Tower on September 11th, on the phone with the emergency service in New York when the building collapsed.  I am drawn to tears as I think of those that were trapped in the World Trade Center buildings, and their families left to wonder how, why and what they were to do next.

I was on a business trip in Los Angeles on that day, separated from my wife and kids, with no way to get back home.  Gripped in fear for their safety, and uncertainty of what would come next.  I could not shake the images of what just happened and avoid the fear that if it happened in New York, it could happen in L.A. or Houston just as quickly.  I questioned my own faith.  Was I ready for death and what that meant?  I sat down the following day in a small coffee shop in Anaheim and drafted this poem…
It’s amazing how much we lean on each other, but even more so how much we re-evaluate theology during times of extreme pressure.  There is something inside of each of us that automatically returns to our Creator when the reality of death shows it’s ugly face.  The realization, that there is something on the other side of the very last breath we take, is unsettling for those who have lived as if there wasn’t.  Somewhere in that split second, of inhaling oxygen and the deep final exhale, our mind races to resolve any unsettled business, and we must come to grips with the choices we’ve made in life.  It cannot be avoided, as much as we try, it must be dealt with. 

God Do You Know My Mommy
Mommy, are you coming home
I feel so all alone
The TV said people have died
I didn’t even get to say goodbye

God, do you know my Mommy
She’s the one with deep brown eyes
Please, hold her hand, draw her close
And keep her by Your side
She’s afraid when the thunder rolls
And lightning lights up the sky
So hold her close and comfort her
And keep her by Your side

Daddy’s been crying and praying
Like I’ve never seen before
He’s holding their wedding picture
That used to hang by the bedroom door.

God, do you know my Mommy
She’s the most beautiful one of all
Please, let Your Son shine upon her
And keep her by Your side
She’s really gonna miss my Daddy
They used to hug each other tight
So hold her close and give her love
And keep her by Your side.

The sun came up this morning
I was hoping it was just a dream
The policeman came and knocked on the door
I knew my life would never be the same.

God, do you know my Mommy
She’s got a smile so full of life
Please, give her Your love
And keep her by Your side
She loves when we go for walks
On a cool October night
So can You walk with her now, hold her tight
And keep her by Your side.
God, do you know my Mommy….

- Rich Palmer, 9/14/2001©

Count your blessings today.  Don’t wait for tomorrow, look your loved ones in the eye as soon as possible and tell them you love them.  The emotions and urgency we all felt on the 12th of September 2001 should be an everyday event, for we know not when our time will draw to an end.  If your children weren’t born before 9-11, please ensure that they understand what happened on that day and how uncertain our very next breath is. 

If you are still uncertain about God’s plan of salvation, confront your doubt today, do not wait, you are not promised tomorrow.  If you have questions please send me an e-mail and I will do everything I can to help you understand or I will find someone who can.  This is the most important decision of your life, don’t wait until your last breath to call out for salvation.



© Sondove Enterprises, 2019
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