Twice I have read this memoir by Lisa Beamer, wife of Todd Beamer, one of the passengers who was aboard Flight 93 on September 11th, which crashed into a vacant field, in Pennsylvania.
Lisa began her story when Todd and she had arrived home, on September 10, 2001, from their trip to Italy. They picked up their two young boys from Lisa's mom, went home, had dinner, and Lisa unpacked while Todd gave the boys a bath and got them ready for bed. It was typical night, other than being jet lagged.
Early the next morning, Todd left to take a quick over night business trip to San Francisco to meet a client. He did that many times in his career, but this trip would be life changing for Lisa. In one moment she was starting her day with her boys, and in an instant her world was turned upside down. She had no idea what was unfolding outside until a friend called to tell her to turn on the TV. The news that a San Francisco-bound United Airlines plane had crashed into a field was just reported. Without confirmation, Lisa was sure Todd was on that flight. But Lisa was also sure that Todd would not have gone down without a fight. That was just the kind of man he was.
In the next several chapters, Lisa backtracked to Todd's and her youth. She shared her faithful family life, her upbringing, and the impact her father's death had had on her faith. She also shared Todd's story growing up in a faithful family, how she and Todd met, their college years, and finally their marriage and starting a family.
Then the story returned to that fateful day and what continued on the days following. A major part of Lisa's and Todd's story was that they were surrounded by a community of believers -- not only their church family but both of their families. Lisa had no shortage of support carrying her. For the next weeks and months she had people in her home, working, feeding, supervising kids, and caring for Lisa's physical and spiritual health, as it should be when someone is in need. I almost forgot...Lisa was five months pregnant, too.
When the personal stories became known about passengers aboard Flt. 93 making last phone calls to loved ones, Lisa wondered why Todd had not called her. Then she received a call from United that Todd had spoken to a GTE operator; would Lisa like to speak with her? The next day Lisa Beamer spoke with Lisa Johnson who was able to tell Lisa B. everything Todd said, his demeanor, and what she could hear happening on the plane.
Lisa J. told Lisa B. that Todd asked her to pray the Lord's Prayer with him, which she did. Todd told her some of the passengers and crew were planning a counterattack against the terrorists. They were going to attempt to overtake the cockpit. And before Todd got off the phone with Lisa, she heard him say to the others, "Let's roll." Lisa B. said that that was something Todd said to the boys when it was time to go, to put a plan into action.
From that call and from the information that later came from other calls aboard Flt. 93 about the counterattack, Lisa was now assured that Todd did not go down without a fight, and that he, the crew, and passengers were instrumental in averting another attack on one of America's other landmarks, possibly saving more people on the ground.
Soon after the attacks of September 11th, the families were invited to go to the site of the crash for a memorial service, and Lisa and some of her family members went. Since word of the counterattack aboard the plane had been made public, the families were welcomed by those who came out to honor them. Their loved ones were being called heroes for what they had done. Lisa had not thought about that at the time - that what they done was heroic and courageous.
The courageous actions of the passengers and crew reminded [her] that on a day when people around the world felt violated, helpless, alone, and afraid, there were still people of character, people who in the midst of crisis dared to live to the last second with hope. Truly the valiant heroes aboard flight 93 fought the first battle in what President Bush declared as a war against terrorism...and won.
Lisa considered the words of Jesus to His disciples the night before He died on the cross: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Sadly, the memorial service held at the crash site was one of the lowest points of her grieving because it struck her "how hopeless the world is when God is factored out of the equation." This is a major message in Let's Roll: hope in Christ. She said: "My life, like Todd's, is worth living because of my relationship with God," and "We mourn but not as those who have no hope."
Lisa said that she and her family will always mourn for Todd, but there is something more for a Christian, and that is the assurance that they will see him again in heaven, which is God's promise. It was also a great desire for Lisa that that message get out to those who do not know the Lord.
But because we hope in the Lord, we know beyond a doubt that one day we will see Todd again. I hurt for the people who don't have that same hope, and I pray that somehow the events of September 11 will encourage them to investigate the possibility that faith in Jesus really is the answer to all of their life questions.
The only true security in this life comes from placing our trust in the God who loves us and is in complete control of the events of our lives and our world.
And she also wanted to point out that the terrorists were wrong. She said, "...they didn't only pick the wrong plane. They picked the wrong side." Keep in mind, "...it wasn't the name of Jesus on their lips in their final moments." And, too, "God's justice will ultimately prevail."
What sustained Lisa, she said, was remembering that this world is temporary and is only a preparation for her eternal home in heaven. "Life on earth is a mixture of happiness and sadness. True joy will never come here, but knowing it awaits [her] in eternity helps [her] progress though whatever life brings in the darkest of times." She said that "looking up" brings peace to her soul. And she proclaimed that "the most important truth is that [her] security must be in God rather than in anything or anyone in this world."
In the final two chapters, Lisa stated that no one on Flt. 93 wanted to die (except maybe the terrorists); they wanted to go home, and yet they gave their lives that others might be spared. If they had known ahead of time, they would not have gotten on that plane at all.
And yet there is one who knew His purpose, and He still came to earth to do what only could be done through dying. "He was destined to die - to give His life so many others might find true life, abundant life here on earth, and eternal life in heaven to come." Jesus even prayed three times that God the Father might spare Him, but in the end He prayed, "Not my will but Yours be done."
Lisa considered: Todd did not want to die, but He prayed for God's will to be done. Todd "had built his life on a firm foundation," and "He was willing to live out his faith all the way to the end."
This is such a great testimony of God's power, mercy, and grace! Todd would be so proud of Lisa for sharing her faith - their faith - during such a time. This story is a demonstration of how faith is tested and how it is refined and strengthened.
At Todd's private memorial service, Lisa requested the hymn It is Well With My Soul to be sung. Only one who clings to the promises of God can assuredly say it is well with her soul in the midst of such sudden loss.
When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."
* * *
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share your thoughts...