Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

The lyrics to that Alan Jackson song get me every time.  Where was I when the world stopped turning?  I was in my Junior year at LSU and about 10 months into dating my then boyfriend Erik.  That particular morning I had skipped my first class because I wanted to sleep in.  I heard the first reports of the attack over the radio as I drove to my second class.  It was horrific, it was chilling, it was unbelievable. 

I'm somewhat of a naive person.  But that day changed me.  I realized this world was not necessarily a safe place.  I haven't felt the same since. 

I actually proceeded to my second class and told my classmates what was happening as my mom talked to me on the phone.  She described what she was seeing on TV for us.  No smart phones back then!  Erik had one of his athletic classes at that time in the locker room and was able to watch their TV and see the 2nd plane hit.  Back in my class my Accounting professor then said, "All right people, let's get to work.  We can't let this stop our pursuit of learning."  Really?!?  I was disgusted.  But, I actually sat through the class.  When it was over I headed straight back to my apartment to watch the news reports with my roommate Rachel.  I don't think we said much.  Just sat there watching with our mouths open.

A sense of panic ensued across campus that day.  I heard that a boy busted into several of the early classes where people had no idea what was going on and yelled, "We are at War!".  I'm sure most people thought he was joking...or looney.  Let's face it, we may have been in college, but we were mostly still just kids.  And we were scared.

I remember that particular morning it was a beautiful day.  Bright blue sky with no clouds.  On pretty days, it often seems to remind me of September 11th.  At how the blink of an eye things can change so quickly.  Can go from really beautiful to really ugly.  However, even as ugly as that day got, I have no doubt that God was with all of us that day.  To carry us through it.

This nation came together after September 11th.  Churches were full, friends and neighbors checked in with each other, and our sense of patriotism was revived.  I do not believe for a second that the terrorists accomplished all that they hoped.  While they killed many innocent people, they brought a whole lot more together.

To all of the families affected by the 9 11 tradgedy, may God continue to carry you through this.  As a nation we still grieve with you.  And as an Amercian family we fully support you.  May you rest in the peace of knowing that you will see your loved ones again.


Lyrics to the Alan Jackson Song....

  "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working 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?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And 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 in 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?

[Chorus:]

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 difference 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

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you teaching a class full of innocent children

Or driving 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 loved her?

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Or 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

Did you stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love?

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

And the greatest is love.

And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?