Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

It was a beautiful sunny morning in Stamford, Connecticut as my toddler son and I packed up and set out to tour a new childcare center in preparation for my return to work. When we arrived, the director was motionless in a state of disbelief. She invited us to sit before she broke the earth-shattering news then asked to reschedule our tour. It was September 11th, 2001. My heart raced, and I went into panic mode because one of my closest childhood friends worked in the World Trade Center Complex.  

Phone lines were tied up across the New York, Connecticut & New Jersey region, making it tough to make or receive calls. Family and friends from our hometown of Atlanta were concerned about both of us but still no word. Hours were beginning to feel like weeks, and I was praying and hoping. Then my phone finally rang. My Mom called to report that she'd spoken with my sister’s friend's Mom, who said she woke up not feeling well. Earlier that morning she called in saying she'd be late for work which meant she was at home. The sense of gratitude and relief was overwhelming. I'm getting teary-eyed even as I share this with you all these years later. God was truly gracious to us that day.

But as the day went on, it was quickly apparent that this would be not the case for thousands of others searching for their loved ones who worked in the WTC. Nor for families of the heroes who were working overtime to save lives. Almost everyone I knew in the region, and with every new encounter, I met someone who lost a loved one or first responder in the terrorist act.  

We immediately knew then we had an assignment that is still relevant today. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." We live in a fallen world, so bad things will happen. But a part of the responsibility we have when we receive grace is to carry other's burdens both in Prayer and through actions. Because of our gratitude for God's grace, we became committed to Prayer and service to victims of this disaster because of the enormous burden they bring. To this day, our family remains committed to supporting victims of disaster relief because of Christ and the joy it brings when we fulfill His law!

Reflection Question:

Take a moment to look around in your family, community, or the world to recognize the many burdens people face. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what burdens you have the heart to help carry for others.

Praise + Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for creating us to be relational beings who need each other. Living in this fallen world means we will have trouble and challenges that place heavy burdens on our shoulders. But we know that you will help carry our load and that you have equipped us to share the load of our brothers and sisters. Please help us remain sensitive to the hard things that happen in life and look for ways to serve in Prayer and our actions.

Action Idea:

As we reflect on September 11th, which brought to light the heavy burdens our first responders carry on a daily basis, take a moment to encourage a first responder in your life or neighborhood. You can pray for them, send a food delivery, have your children write thank you cards, or send a thank you video from your family.