Eight years ago, on a bright, clear September morning, our lives were irreversibly changed.  Within hours, planes were grounded, the skies were silent.  By the end of the day, over 3000 of our fellow citizens had died in the unexpected attack. 

One of the pictures I will never forget is the image of the NYFD running into the World Trade Center.  Their fellow citizens were in trouble and their came to their rescue. With no regard to their own welfare, they risked their lives.  And in doing so, lost their lives.

September 11, 2001 was a defining time for our generation.  Much like the assassination of President Kennedy or the Challenger explosion, most people know where they were when they heard the news.  Defining moments change us.  We will never fly the same way again.  We cannot walk through an airport without removing our shoes.  Defining times bring forth character.  Men and women rise to the occasion.  We tend to call them heroes.  None are extraordinary people.  They are normal people reacting to abnormal circumstances.

Just as the firemen were on that fateful day eight years ago, you are surrounded by hurting people.  How are you going to respond?  Will you disregard your personal comfort to help them?  Will you reach out to a hurting world?  If you were in need, you would want someone to.