Eight years have passed since the devastating attack on our nation. Hard times are upon our nation and the world. I will ever remember that morning and the feelings of fear and sorrow. Hearts all across our nation turned to God and prayers ascended to Heaven. I also remember the comfort we received as we listened to the words of our dear prophet, Gordon B Hinkley. What a choice blessing- then and now. To understand that we have a prophet today. To know that God speaks to us through him. As we remember that fateful day, let us also remember a few of the comforting and inspiring words the prophet at the time spoke to us.From the November 2001 Ensign;
"The Times in Which We Live"
I have just been handed a note that says that a U.S. missile attack is under way. I need not remind you that we live in perilous times. I desire to speak concerning these times and our circumstances as members of this Church.
You are acutely aware of the events of September 11, less than a month ago. Out of that vicious and ugly attack we are plunged into a state of war. It is the first war of the 21st century. The last century has been described as the most war-torn in human history. Now we are off on another dangerous undertaking, the unfolding of which and the end thereof we do not know.
No one knows how long it will last. No one knows precisely where it will be fought. No one knows what it may entail before it is over. We have launched an undertaking the size and nature of which we cannot see at this time. Occasions of this kind pull us up sharply to a realization that life is fragile, peace is fragile, civilization itself is fragile
Now, brothers and sisters, we must do our duty, whatever that duty might be.
Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to Him, the Father of us all. He has said, “Be still, and know that I am God”
Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us.
