September 11, 2001 is a day we will always remember. It's almost hard to believe that it was eight years ago. On our facebook page, we asked everyone what they were doing and how they felt when they heard about the attacks that day. There are a good many replies. A few people recounted how they were at work, watching the television. A woman was sent home early from work, so she and her co-workers could be with their families. Another person was traveling and listening to a book on tape, and didn't even know what was going on until she stopped for gas. One woman remembers that she was on the phone with a credit card company and the man on the other line stopped what he was doing and asked her if she knew what was going on. When she replied no, he told her to hang up the phone and turn on the news. She says that when she did, she was screaming "My God!" and sobbing uncontrollably. Where were you on September 11, 2001? I remember that I was in history class, and the principal of our school came over the intercom and announced what was going on. It was hard for us to understand what happened because my school didn't have televisions, so we couldn't watch what was happening. Our teachers were allowed to take turns going to their homes for about an hour each. Classes changed, but we never actually had class. Each teacher did their best to explain what was going on and why it was happening, instead of teaching us our usual school subjects. Finally, our principal called an assembly in the gymansium, and explained what was going on. School was over for the rest of the day, and I remember going home, immediately turning on the tv, and crying as I watched the videos replay of the planes hitting the World Trade Center towers.

We all have our stories of what we felt. Shock, disbelief, confusion, heartbreak, anger, feeling like someone punched us in the stomach. Let us also not forget those who died at the Pentagon and the brave men who took down the plane in Pennsylvania. The main thing I want to help you remember is forgiveness. Most everyone will always remember and respect what happened, but forgiveness plays a huge role in healing as well. Think of the families who were majorly affected by what happened. God wants us to forgive others and to love our enemy. As hard as that sounds, it's what He commands. But, with God as our strength, we can do it. So, that's the challenge to you. You are challenged to not only forgive the people who planned the attacks on our country, but you are also challenged to forgive the enemies you come in contact with on a daily basis.

We also want to know your story. What were your initial feelings on September 11, 2001 and what are your feelings now on September 11, 2009?