In My Seat: Remembering 25 Years Later

It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since September 11, 2001.

For so many of us, the memories of that day are still vivid. We remember where we were when we heard the news. We remember watching the events unfold and trying to understand what was happening. And today, we remember the thousands of lives lost, their families and loved ones, and all those whose lives were forever changed.

For me, September 11 also brings to mind the remarkable story of my dear friend, Captain Steve Scheibner.

 

A Seat He Was Supposed to Fill

On September 10, 2001, Steve packed his suitcase and waited for a call confirming his assignment as First Officer on American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles.

The call never came.

Another pilot, Captain Tom McGuinness, ultimately took the seat Steve had expected to fill. The following morning, Flight 11 became the first plane to strike the World Trade Center.

Steve has carried that experience with him ever since.

For Steve, it became part of what he calls his God story—a story he believes he has a responsibility to tell.

His wife once described it this way:

 

“God gives you stories, not for yourself… Some people He gives a big story. Steve’s story is a big story.”

 

Steve also encourages others not to overlook the stories God has given them:

 

“Don’t sit on that story. Your story may not be as dramatic as mine…but it’s no less important for you to tell your story because there’s somebody that needs to hear it.”

 

I love that reminder.

Most of us will never have a story like Steve’s. But we all have chapters in our lives where we can look back and see God’s faithfulness, His grace, His protection or His presence during a difficult season.

And sometimes, someone else needs to hear that story.

 

In My Seat — 25 Years Later

For the 25th anniversary of September 11, Steve returns to one of the most personal stories of his life in a special anniversary edition of In My Seat.

Twenty-five years later, he and members of his family revisit the events surrounding Flight 11, the people behind the story and the lasting impact of a day that changed aviation, America and countless lives forever.

It is a story of remembrance, but also one that asks a deeply personal question:

What will we do with the story God has given us?

As we remember September 11, we honour those who lost their lives, the families who continue to carry that loss, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all those whose lives were changed that day.

And perhaps Steve’s story can also encourage each of us to think about our own.

Where have you seen God at work in your life?

Who might need to hear your story?

May we have the courage to tell it, and the faith to use the life we’ve been given well.

 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

 

Watch Steve Scheibner’s special 25th anniversary episode of In My Seat below.