Sunday, September 11, 2011

9-11-11

Today is bitter-sweet for me.
A close friend of mine turned 18 today, and entered his senior year at high school this past week. it is strange how time flies too fast.
And then, on a more obvious note, today is the anniversary of 9/11... my heart aches for the victims' families and friends, I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. My condolences if you fall into this category.
I don't exactly remember what happened ten years ago today, but I do remember the events of the aftermath. A lot of fear, a lot of worry, and not a lot of hope. Security reached a new high, fights broke out in the middle east, families were shattered at the loss of loved ones, but most of all... it seemed like the entire country, at least for awhile, was shocked to a silence.
Several years have passed now, ten to be exact, (which doesn't exactly seem possible btw) but there is still one thing that came from this horrid event makes me tear up every single time. A famous song, but a famous musician who goes by the name Alan Jackson(ring a bell?? (:) I've shared SO many songs with you in the past, but I cannot skip over this one. So, here it is, listen closely, close your eyes if need-be. And think back ten years ago.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day