“Never Forget” serves as a slogan to remind us of the horrific events of September 11, 2001. If I’m honest, however, it’s difficult to remember what happened that day, because so much attention right now is focused (rightfully so) on Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma and the seemingly innumerable fires burning throughout the northwest. I can hardly fathom what people are dealing with in terms of loss. Homes are damaged or destroyed. Flooding is rampant. Families are displaced. Power is lost. Even human lives are lost.

 

At the risk of feeling guilty, and in spite of the many terrible things going on in the world, I must say that I’m in a very thankful place. Having recently crawled out from the shadow of darkness stemming from multiple losses (none as significant as those of the hurricane and fire victims), I am incredibly grateful for the love of God, for answered prayers, and for the ways in which He has worked through so many people who are willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I won’t even try to list everyone who’s helped me because, with such a long list, I’m sure to forget someone. After a period of time where one piece of bad news followed after another and yet another, I’ve now experienced the opposite end of the spectrum, where I’m getting good news. Lots and lots of good news. And I’m most thankful (and always thankful) for the ultimate “good news,” that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins, that He was buried in a tomb, and that three days later He rose again to destroy death, live forever, and give me the hope of an eternity in heaven with Him. That’s the “Good News” I’ll “Never Forget.”

 

Troy Burns