This is an Alan Jackson song. It’s very thought provoking as I was in 8th grade history class when everything changed on 9/11/01. I remember seeing the news pop up and calling my mom. As far as the what happen afterwards I have no recollection of the day. I came home and wrote two papers based on what I felt that day.
Breaking down the lyrics beginning with the first lyric: Where were you when the world stopped turnin’
That September day? History class 8th grade.
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin’ on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
As I said before I don’t recall too much of that day. When bad things happen I tend to block them in my mind. I was recall shock and praying. I didn’t understand why someone would do something like that to us. Now please remember I was a kid now no longer one so I now have an understanding but at the time I didn’t. I know I did cry when more and more news came and the lives lost.
Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones
Pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?
I cried and prayed and the heroes who died on that day and continue to pass due to the smoke and ash they inhaled. I am always tahnkful of the freedoms we have in America for the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom. Without our history and the struggles we had along the way and battles fought we wouldn’t be where we are today. Most importantly without God and the leading foundation of our freedom to begin with that brought us here we would be nothing and still battling for our freedoms in another country. Since our founding father’s wanted to keep their faith that would be the faith of this nation they came across the seas to where we are now. So yes I am proud to be an America.
This is Alan Jackson speaking for himself: I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell you
The diff’rence in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
I can relate to those words above. I know Jesus and I talk to God and I remember this from when I was youg. Faith, Hope, and Love are some good things He gave us and the greatest is love. We go from 9/11/01 to where we are today in 2020 and despite it all I still believe in Jesus and still talk with God and yes out of faith hope and love the greatest is love. In this dying and evil filled world there is love. A love so impossible to imagen and unconditional and that is God’s love for us.
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’
That September day?
Teachin’ a class full of innocent children
Or drivin’ down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor?
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
I don’t fit into these question here but maybe you do. I did call my mom as I was in school I needed her. Still can’t recall the rest of the day let alone how or when I got home from school. Didn’t dust of my Bible as I use mine and go to church. Important to understand that just because I come from a Christian family but that is not why I am a Christian. I am a Christian because I believe in Jesus and I fellowship with the Lord daily. Its a personal relationship with the Lord and it’s not based on my parents faith but my own faith in God.
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
And speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?
I did see the world different after that day and I still see the beauty around me.
Kirsten's Christian Corner 