“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

September 11, 2001, is often referred to as ‘The day we will never forget.” Terrorist hijackers commandeered four planes. Their intentions were evil. They sought to kill as many Americans as possible in order initiate a jihad of religious fever against the enemies of Islam. It was more than a political statement. It was and continues to be Kingdom warfare.

Three of the planes hit their targets. But on Flight 93 a miracle of God’s intervention and spiritual courage took center stage. Passenger Todd Beamer, via an Airfone, contacted operator Lisa Jefferson. After relating the situation and his commitment to take action, he asked her to pray the Lord’s Prayer with him followed by the words, “Jesus help me.” He then proceeded to recite the 23^rd Psalm. Together with other brave souls, he said, “Okay, let’s roll!” At the cost of their lives, further destruction to our nation’s capital was prevented.

Later that night, when President George W. Bush addressed the nation, he too quoted Psalm 23. He said, “And I pray their families will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23.” Three days later, American and world leaders gathered for a service of remembrance and prayer. An aged, but confident Dr. Billy Graham echoed the words the choir had just sung: “O God Our Help in Ages Past.” With firm and comforting resolve, he said, “Jesus’ death on the cross and the resurrection are at the core of God’s answer. The older I get, the more I cling to that hope I started with many years ago: ‘How Firm a Foundation’.”

May the memory of their faith and bravery always be honored. On this Labor Day, we remember their sacrifice as a true LABOR of LOVE!