Etched in My Mind Forever

There are some events that happen and become forever etched in our minds. I was in the University of Oregon bookstore on 1/28/86 when the Challenger space shuttle exploded. And when terrorists hijacked 4 planes on 9/11/01 and the ensuing tragedies that followed, I was in the front room of my parent's home in Auckland, New Zealand, in the midst of a vacation with my family. As I began watching the 9/11 tragedy unfold, I was struck by the many stories of heroism, tragedy, loss, unity and sacrifice. One of the most unforgettable things I witnessed was the courage and bravery of so many men and women who chose to help others, even in the face of death. And as we're all aware, so many did pay the ultimate price in their efforts to help and save others. They sacrificed their own lives in order that others might live. And as I remember 9/11 today and everything that transpired,  I can't help but think of one other picture that's etched in my mind. This picture is of Jesus Christ hanging upon a cross for my sins. Romans 5:8 states that "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The picture of Jesus hanging on a cross because of my sins and what He accomplished on that cross, have changed my life forever. Today as a nation we remember the somber events of 9/11, yet I also think of the freedom and life I have been given because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Both of these will forever etched in my mind.