Dear America,
Sixteen years ago our world was rocked. Sixteen years ago we lost around 3,000 loved ones. Sixteen years ago our freedom was threatened. Sixteen years ago we were attacked like never before. Sixteen years ago four planes were hijacked. Two of these planes crashed into the twin towers, completely destroying them. One plane destroyed part of the Pentagon in Virginia, and the last plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
I know I don’t need to remind you what happened or who did it. We all remember where we were when this happened. Each year, as the anniversary of this day rolls around, I am reminded of one thing: how desperately we need Jesus.
When I say “we”, I don’t just mean Americans. I mean everyone. Americans need Jesus, just as much as the people responsible for that tragic day. We may need him for different reasons, but at the end of the day that doesn’t really matter. What does matter is thousands of people lost their lives that day. We need Jesus. What does matter is that people committed this act out of service to a false God. They need Jesus.
My prayer, sweet America, is that you wouldn’t let this day harden your hearts. I know that may seem like an impossible request. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to have lost a loved one that day. But I do know that Jesus calls us to forgive those who have hurt us. My prayer is that one day you’ll be able to do that. Lean into God, ask him for help, and I have no doubt that you’ll be able to do it.
I pray that the nineteen terrorists that committed this act wouldn’t warp your view on all foreigners. The biggest lesson I have learned since being on the race is to get to know a person for who they are, and not the group they belong to. Some of the most loving, giving, caring people I have met in the last nine months haven’t been Christians. Give them a chance. I’m sure they were just as heartbroken that day as we were.
America, in a little over two months, I’ll be home. I hope I can fit in again. But I also hope I can teach you some of the things I’ve learned since being gone. I pray that you are unified. I pray that you are thriving. I pray that you are recovering from all the recent dangerous weather. But most of all, I pray that your heart continues healing and that you’ll be able to one day embrace my brothers and sisters from other nations.
love,
Tay
