September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in American history. To commemorate the 20th anniversary and learn what’s currently going on with the Taliban and Afghanistan, Cissie Graham Lynch sat down for a unique interview with her brother, Edward Graham, who served several combat tours during the war on terrorism during his military service in special operations.
Every American can remember where they were when reports first emerged that a plane struck one of the World Trade Center buildings in New York City.
For Graham, the day began just like any other early in his military career as a cadet at West Point Military Academy.
“I remember a friend of mine came out and said, ‘Did you just hear? A plane crashed into the World Trade Center,’” he shared with Lynch on her Fearless podcast. “So, a plane, I’m thinking, like, a Cessna. We walk up and there’s a TV in the corner of my physics classroom. And we’re watching the smoke billowing out, and I’m like, ‘That’s not a Cessna.’”
From that day on, students at the military academy faced the reality that they would most likely serve on the front lines at some point in Afghanistan.
Lynch shared how she knew the attack would change the trajectory of her brother’s career and life.
“Your whole career was defined by this war in Afghanistan,” Lynch said, referencing all the things that happened during his time in the military. “You got married. You’ve raised your family. You’ve lost friends.”
The recent news of the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan, with the Taliban regaining control of the government and the chaotic withdrawal of the United States, has been difficult for people across the country who served in the military and lost loved ones on that Tuesday morning in September 2001.
A tragedy like 9/11 can have a deep impact on our walk with God. We may question why a loving God would allow such a horrible event to happen.
But through it all, Lynch said, God is still sovereign.
“My hope was never in man, but in Jesus Christ,” Graham added. “God’s in control, but I pray for a miracle in Afghanistan.”
Graham works for Samaritan’s Purse, which is assisting Afghans in need who have escaped from the evil grip of the Taliban.
“I can’t go into great detail at this moment,” he said, “but we’re working in several areas, directly serving those who are coming out [of Afghanistan].”
This includes women and children who have been especially vulnerable to the punishing summer conditions in the region. Samaritan’s Purse recently sent its DC-8 cargo jet with 19 tons of medical kits, hygiene kits, blankets and other critical items that can assist families who have fled the Taliban.
“With the course of recent events, many of us can be fearful,” Lynch said. “Some of us are struggling with anxiety as you’ve watched the news. But our hope is in knowing that God is sovereign.”
