overcome evil with good.

I remember eleven years ago, just as you do. But I will also remember yesterday. Yesterday was the first time I felt compelled to tell my kids about what happened eleven years ago.

I tried to think of a good way to explain what happened in a less horrific way. But how can you dampen any terror that happened that day? We have been working on recognizing the 50 states (this will take a WHILE..) so I was able to point out New York and then go from there.

I showed the children a picture first of what the Twin Towers looked like before the tragedy---how they looked when I was sixteen and took a grainy picture of them from across the street on a school trip. I still have it somewhere, pasted in an old scrapbook. I remember even then being in awe of those towers, how they seem to extend as far as the eye could see.

photo credit.

Then I showed them a picture of the towers after the vicious attack--it was really difficult to find a picture that was not completely gruesome.

Here is what Eden asked:

Were there people in those buildings?
Did the planes hit the towers before or after those people got to work?
Did anyone die?
Did anyone live?
Why did they hate Americans?
Will they come here to my house?


After we finished our lesson, I reminded Eden we needed to pray for the group of people that sent the terrorists eleven years ago. She crossed her arms in defiance and bluntly stated that she would not pray for them. They were the enemy.
 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.  

Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.   

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.  

"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK ; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

{Romans 12:14, 17-21}

Yes, they are the enemy. But pray for them all the more. Weep with those who weep today. Pray for the families who lost. Pray for our country. But take comfort in knowing vengeance is His, and He will repay.