Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero will examine this complex question that still lingers even as we approach the one-year anniversary of the most tragic day in our nation’s history. Other questions will be covered during the broadcast: Is there a God? How can someone believe in God after what happened on September 11th? Why didn’t God prevent this from happening? Why did innocent people have to die? How does this fit into God’s grand plan?

While the producers of this show probably mean well, I think they would have benefited from talking to Lisa Beamer. She is the widow of Todd Beamer who was on the United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in a Pennsylvania field. He is the man who uttered the famous line, “Let’s roll,” before overtaking the terrorists who were planning an attack on Washington, D.C.

Lisa Beamer recently released an incredible book about the experience of losing her husband on September 11th entitled Let’s Roll: Finding Hope in the Midst of Crisis. It is the inspiring story of how she has been able to find hope from despair since the devastating loss of her husband. If anyone had a reason to question God about 9-11, it was Lisa Beamer.

Nevertheless, read what Lisa Beamer wrote about how God has helped her get through this difficult time:

“The real hope I know comes from turning to God. Turning to God was my natural instinct on September 11, because as a little girl I was told of His love for me...My relationship with God through Jesus has been the driving force in my life since my childhood, giving me hope for this life and for eternity. Never has this been more precious to me than in the days since September 11. God has shown me the reality of eternity in a dynamic way these past few months. When I’m overwhelmed with sadness at what I’ve lost in this life, He is quick to give me His eternal perspective.”

Many people, especially ones who do not believe in God, think that Christians are foolish for believing in something they cannot see. If this is true, then explain to me how a woman who lost her husband to evil terrorists can proclaim that she has hope and strength from God if He did not exist? There is no other explanation except that God is indeed real and is in complete control of every area of her life.

Skeptics about the validity of Lisa Beamer’s faith in God should read what she wrote about her innermost feelings and emotions since 9-11:

“When I am tempted to become angry and ask, ‘What if?’ and, ‘Why us’ God says, ‘I knew on September 10, and I could have stopped it, but I have a plan for greater good than you can ever imagine.’ I don’t know God’s plan, and, honestly, right now I don’t like it very much. But I trust that He is true to His promise in Romans 8:28: ‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.’ My only responsibility is to love God. He’ll work out the rest.”

Lisa Beamer’s obvious hurt is gently nursed each day by the loving God she worships and adores. I cannot imagine how someone who has gone through this kind of loss deals with the loneliness and sadness that is sure to follow. Without a genuine relationship with God, how would you cope with the devastation?

If you decide to watch the PBS television show, then don’t forget these uplifting and encouraging words from Lisa Beamer:

”God loves me; and He is ready, willing and able to take care of my past, my present and my future. I trust His love, and I obey His plan. There’s no better way to live. There’s no other real hope.”

Her story should inspire you to look to The Answer regarding 9-11 instead of asking so many questions that have no real answers.