TOP's Tuesday: Lifting Hope for All to See

This past April the community gathered to remember Heidi at the New Haven Fire Barn with a candle light vigil and time of fellowship. It was a beautiful evening with encouragement, remembrance, and hope as the overwhelming theme. My only sister, kidnapped on April 3, 1994, more than twenty years ago. How does one survive the abduction of a loved one for twenty years? How does the family find the strength to put their feet on the floor each morning? What motivates friends and family to not just get up but to enjoy life?

The answer is different for each person, for me, I lean on God. I spent the first decade running in the opposite direction of Him because I blamed Him for taking Heidi from us, after all, He allowed it to happen. Right? This is both truth and a lie at the same time. God is a God of love, comfort, and hope. This is TRUTH, yet God also gave man something called "free will". God can place a path of righteousness, morals, and goodness in our paths but it's up to us to accept this modeling. God did not kidnap my sister, man did.

The LORD is compassionate and merciful; 
he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love. 
Psalm 103:8

This Thursday is 9/11. the nation will remember the lives lost in 2001, along with the six lives lost in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. What does this have to do with my sister's abduction, tragic loss. 

Families, friends, and communities rally and gather to remember the missing yet our nation as a whole come together on 9/11 to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost through the tragic terrorist attacks on our nation. God did not attack our country, terrorist did utilizing their free will.

In April, our small community gathered at the New Haven Fire Department, in the side lawn, in honor and remembrance of my sister, this Thursday, September 11, 2014, we gather to remember the men, women, and children who lost their lives on this tragic day, fourteen years ago. While our community might be small in number, it is huge in heart and love.

I hope you and yours will take time out of your busy schedule to remember the lives lost, honor the first responders who served, pray for the families effected, and to show unity as a nation through our time together. If you don't live in our area, check with your local fire departments, churches, and organizations. This is a national day of remembrance and honor, I hope you find time to pause, reflect, and lift a prayer for those dealing with the heavy grief and darkness. If possible, join your community and light a candle of hope too.

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The LORD's loyal kindness never ceases; 
his compassions never end. 
They are fresh every morning; 
your faithfulness is abundant!
Lamentations 3:22-23

How does your family, community, or organization honor and remember 9/11? Please share, your idea might encourage another?

For those in the New Haven, New York area:
New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation 
4211 State Route 104
New Haven, NY 13121
Non-Emergency: 315-963-8070

7 pm on 9/11