I remember exactly where I was on 9/11/2001 when I heard about the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. My sixth child was five days old and I existed in that state of sleep deprivation familiar to new mothers. One of my kids gave me the surprising news and I went downstairs to see the reports on TV. Afterwards I went back upstairs, but every time I crawled back in bed the kids would return with more tragic news.

I watched several of the videos on the Fox News website this afternoon, including President Obama’s reading of the 46th Psalm at Ground Zero. Flashback 9/11: As It Happened remains as surreal and heartbreaking as the day it occurred.

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

I’m thankful for a God in whom we can trust, who calms our fears.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” ~Isaiah 41:10

Do you remember what you were doing when you heard about the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01?

[In 2006 I participated in a 9/11 victim tribute blog project. My post on Gary Albero can be found here.]