When the World Stopped Turning: 16 Years Later

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 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'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?
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 for the first time in ages,
Or 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 and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family?
Thank God you had somebody to love

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

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 

And the greatest is love

And the greatest is love...
Where were you when the world stopped turning

On that September day?

I may not recall every detail of that fateful day, but I sure know where I was and how I felt.

I was 13 years old and about halfway through junior high. While my dad was chauffeuring me to school, we first heard the story on the radio. The reporter's voice sounded very shaky, like he was really struggling not to break down. Being a kid, I knew four planes crashing on the same day was bad news, but it wasn't until later that I realized how bad. 

At school, everyone was talking about the plane crashes, students and teachers alike. Even my strict teachers were surprisingly mellow, and our schoolwork that day was much lighter than usual. I don't think we even had homework, which pleased me at first; what kid doesn't get excited about not having homework? 

But when I got home and saw the full story on TV (it was all they talked about, on every single news station), that's when it hit me. My sister and I were supposed to have a Young Women's activity that night but it got canceled. 

Seeing the footage of the planes exploding and the Twin Towers collapsing and the people screaming and running for their lives, that was the moment I understood how serious this was. This was something we only expected to happen in the movies...but this was no movie, no special effects, no acting, and no accident. 

For the next few weeks, I was scared stiff. I remember breaking down in tears at least twice at school; luckily, everyone who saw me was nothing but sympathetic and tried to give me some reassurance. To make fun of somebody at a time like this would have been cruel. 

My mom once told me, "This is how the terrorists want you to feel." 

To this day, I say, "Well, they sure do a good job!" And I don't mean that as a compliment.

Thanks be to God, I didn't lose anybody in those attacks. But my whole heart goes out to those who did, and I still have a hard time watching the footage and remembering. You don't want to forget, but some things are just about impossible to take in. In the words of Evanescence, "There's just too much that time cannot erase." 

Once again, I send out my prayers and best wishes to everyone affected by this ghastly tragedy in any way, and may God continue to bless the USA.

Song lyrics property of Alan Jackson.