You often hear the phrase, “September 11 changed everything.” I wasn’t in DC or New York that day, but it changed a lot for me.
I was on a business trip in the Los Angeles area with Tammy Workman, who sold advertising for the 
magazine where I was the editor. We’d always been friendly, but not really close; she lived in Alabama, I in Ohio. Then, as we were getting ready in our shared hotel room early that morning, we watched on TV as the towers crumbled. Tammy began quietly praying.
magazine where I was the editor. We’d always been friendly, but not really close; she lived in Alabama, I in Ohio. Then, as we were getting ready in our shared hotel room early that morning, we watched on TV as the towers crumbled. Tammy began quietly praying. In the next five days, we drove more than 700 miles–to San Diego; Campbell, CA; and finally to the Bay area. I was decades away from a faith life, but Tammy’s confidence in God amid the tragedy sparked something in me that I didn’t know was still there.
Later, we both ended up in the DC area, and enjoyed the occasional lunch or dinner, always with deep, faith-based discussion. She’s moved back home to Alabama, and I miss her. But I’m glad she knows that something as seemingly simple as her praying during our five-day odyssey began to change my life. Tammy shows me that living our faith actively even with people who may not seem to understand it is so pleasing to the Father.
Which of your friends inspires you?
