We Cried Then We Rose

(Dedicated to the memory of those lives lost in the 9/11 attacks and to honor all who survived.)

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

                                                                                                            
We watched in shock with disbelief the day the towers fell

We joined millions across the world, our faces drenched in tears

I heard a voice speak from deep within my soul
A comforting presence calmed my innermost fears

He whispered I am the Lord your God and I am with you   

Be not dismayed your faith must not be shaken
Have no fear, listen to my words
In this realm of disaster, my child is not forsaken

We watched in horror as neighbors escaped from dust and smoke

From terror—that chased them down a crowded street
Succumbed by a deathly cloud of hate
And rejoiced when the gray figures escaped defeat

He whispered in a small still voice ‘Fear nothing

My righteousness will lift you up and prevail
By My force of promise to be faithful and just
Wait for God’s time, I will not fail'

I watched weeping as firemen carried babies and fathers carried sons

Hospital patients shared their grief
Mothers and fathers searched names on posters
Strangers gave their all in sacrifice where love empowered belief

We were lifted with His right arm of assurance

And provided strength only He can give
To withstand hatred and right the wrongs
To dwell in harmony where all can live

Stranger to stranger, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend

The terror of evil struck us down but terror was weakened by love
And we rose above sorrow, horror, doom and gloom 
We cried and with assurance and strength from above

From the ashes, we rose!

 

Copyright© Nancy Hogue