9/11 ten years on- how has it changed the way you live your life?

Today is the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.
Where were you that day? It is one of those events that we all remember so clearly no matter where we live on planet earth.

I was busy doing a launch for Smile Education in the Hilton Hotel in Durban. I left the conference room when I had a number of missed calls from my children. When I called they told me the news. I immediately went to the bar area where there was a TV and could not believe what my eyes were seeing.I called my sister in the USA to see if they were all OK. The devastation and loss of life for so many will never be forgotten.

Today is the international day of prayer for Church of the Nations. This is the church group I belong to. As we prayed for children, family, communities, churches, nations, marketplace, missions and governments I wonder if the world is better or worse than it was 10 years ago? Did it really affect us so that we engage and care for others? Have international connections improved or deteriorated? Do these kinds of events change us for ever or not?

Many live with more fear, greed, destruction and anger. Others are more vulnerable. The stats about children, HIV, child pregnancies and the youth break ones heart. What will it take for us to really change and care?

Ten years ago my children were 19 and 21. Still at home. Now 10 years later they are both married and living as global citizens. I thank God that we choose to all follow the love of Jesus to equip us to live with love for family and our fellow man. That is the only way. I choose not to live with fear or loss but to live each day touching and encouraging those around me to take hands and make this place we call HOME a better place for all.

Enjoy some of my own memories of my visit to the USA in 2007.