Never forget
Today is September 11, 2022. It’s been 21 years since the senseless and tragic loss of life due to a terrorist attack.
A common refrain after events such as these is, “Never forget”.
I woke up to the news on my radio alarm clock as I was rising for my second day of college as a freshman at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I was 18, had just met my husband the day before, and had just moved into my dorm the week before. My dorm was under the Prudential tower, and by the time I had left for my 10am voice lesson, the streets were filled with people screaming, crying, and running. The Prudential tower was being evacuated. All classes were cancelled. We learned that some of the terrorists had taken over two airplanes that had flown out of Logan airport. The experience was so frightening; the tragedy and implications of the day so far-reaching- that I knew I would never forget.
Now, 21 years later and having the Gospel, when I hear the phrase “Never forget”, even though I will never forget the precious lives that were lost, something else comes to my mind.
In the midst of tragedy, I will never forget Jesus Christ. I will never forget His Atonement. I will never forget His promises of eternal life- of resurrection and exaltation in eternal families.
Because of Him, the end of mortality is not the end of our stories. Because of our Redeemer, all things are Redeemed. Because of Him, all wrongs will be made right. Because of Him, all fear is cast out by His perfect love. Because of Him, death is but a moment and only a temporary goodbye for those left on this side of the veil. Because of Him, injustice, senseless tragedy and infuriating unfairness are rectified. Because of Him, families are reunited and get to be together for eternity. The wickedness and evil that dwells in the hearts of men is abolished. Because of Him, we are reclaimed from spiritual death caused sin. The natural man is put off- a new heart is given within each of us and we are made new in Christ. Our afflictions and infirmities are resolved. The most gutting and agonizing losses turn into the most joyous and glorious reunions, with the promise never to part. Because of Him, His Atonement is deeply personal and bespoke to every individual on the planet. This is evidence of His great love for us. This love for us is so big- so infinite- I can almost barely comprehend the impact of these promises.
Friend, may we never forget Jesus.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.1
Read “The Infinite Atonement” by Tad R. Callister, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Isaiah 1:18, Doctrine & Covenants 88:6, Alma 36:19, 20-21, Alma 7:11-12, Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8, Doctrine & Covenants 123:17, Moroni 10:32, Doctrine & Covenants 132:19, Isaiah 61:3, John 16:33
Reclaim Take as long as you want to today to ponder on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means for you in your life.
John 16:33