{NYC:} Sacred Steps on Hallowed Ground

When I spent the weekend in New York City with my mom and sister,
we visited the new 9/11 memorial that had opened a couple weeks earlier.

It's simple.
It's serene.
It's reverent.
and it's a beautiful way to honor the victims,
the fallen heroes, their families,
and our Nation.

I'd highly recommend visiting if you have a chance.
(NOTE: you need to make a reservation)

The Survivor TreeThe way the sunset glistens off the Freedom Tower is magnificent.
It was an honor to step foot on such a sacred space
and to spend time thanking the Lord for life,
for sacrifice and for His abounding grace.

Rememberence

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9/11: Hope for the Journey

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Jeremiah and I have watched
at least a dozen television shows about it in the past two weeks.
We're anticipating the anniversary much like the way I remember
anticipating Christmas during my final semester of college
or the way I tend to yearn for Easter each year.

While Sunday sure doesn't mark the birth of our King
or the death resurrection of our Savior,
it does bring with it this sense of expectation,
a sacredness,
a revelation of faith,
a promise of hope,
and a vivid picture of evil and that which is good.

There are so many stories that are still yet to be told from that day,
so many people that these events have affected
both on that day and in the ten years since
and yet the glimpses Jeremiah and I have been invited into
over the past couple weeks
collectively whisper to my soul:
God is faithful.

I know that's a bold statement to make,
especially in light of the absolutely horrific events that happened that day.

But the truth is,
God's faithfulness has been so evident to me in hearing these accounts.
And God has continued to be faithful
as the 'events of that day' have bled into sleepless nights,
into holiday celebrations without loved ones,
into the loss of brave soldiers,
and into upcoming visits to the memorial.

God is hope.

And on a day that remembers such tragedy,
I pray we're also able to see the pennies.

They may seem tarnished,
but they are there.
The glimpses of hope,
of healing, of unity,
and of a Kingdom people and their Mighty God.

NYC: We're goin' DOWNtown...

Day 3: Downtown Manhattan

Father Demo Square, GreenwichMurray's Cheese Shop, GreenwichJoe's Pizza, GreenwichMilk and Cookies Bakery, GreenwichDelicious grasshopper ice cream sandwichNYSEWall StreetThat lucky bullThe MarinaTrinity ChurchChurch GraveyardGround Zero from the Financial CenterThe Ground Zero CrossA Ground Zero TributeWorld Trade Center Plaza rebuilt

(scheduled to open for the 10yr anniversary next year)Battery ParkLady Liberty herselfS'MacaliciousS'Mac: Hamburger, Cajun and Original

Still

I've said it before
and I'll say it again.
The flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.

With pride and with gratitude,
may we always remember those who fight for us.

The Flag still stands for Freedom

And they can't take that away.