“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
On September 11, 2001, as terror struck the heart of our nation, countless lives were changed in an instant. Thousands perished, and yet, amid the smoke and chaos, stories of unimaginable courage emerged—stories that remind us that light still shines in the darkest hour.
One of those stories came from United Airlines Flight 93, a plane hijacked and headed toward Washington, D.C. The terrorists onboard had already turned commercial jets into weapons of mass destruction. But the passengers on Flight 93 did something no one expected—they fought back. Among them was Todd Beamer, a 32-year-old husband and father of two, with a third child on the way.
Who was Todd Beamer?
Todd Beamer was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93—the plane hijacked on September 11, 2001, which crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. He was a business executive with Oracle Corporation and a graduate of Wheaton College, a prominent Christian liberal arts school.
Beamer became nationally known for his final words, captured during a phone call with a GTE operator. After reciting the Lord’s Prayer and the 23rd Psalm with her, his final words were: “Are you ready? Let’s roll.”
These words were said as he and several other passengers attempted to retake control of the plane from the terrorists. Their heroic actions likely prevented the hijackers from reaching their intended target—believed to be either the U.S. Capitol or the White House. All passengers on board perished, but the lives of many others were saved.
We know Todd was a committed Christian. His wife, Lisa Beamer, wrote of his life in the book “Let’s Roll!” He and his wife were active in their church and small group Bible study. They lived guided by biblical principles. In interviews and in her book, Lisa Beamer consistently emphasized that Todd’s courage came from his relationship with Jesus Christ. She often quoted him saying things like:
“It’s not about what you have; it’s about what you give. God’s got a plan, and we just need to trust Him.”
This phrase, “Let’s roll,” didn’t originate with Todd, but his courage and sacrifice gave it a personal dimension—one that continues to inspire courage for every person who chooses courage over fear, sacrifice over comfort, and faith over panic.
Biblical Christianity and a deep relationship with Christ help us live in courage, sacrifice, and legacy. The Bible teaches us:
- Courage is not the absence of fear; it is rather, a strong sense of the presence of God:
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9
- We are called to daily sacrifice—not always to death—but to surrendered living:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
- Deep faith in God gives us clarity, strength, and purpose in the face of terror:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
- Surrendering means we allow God to have control:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
- A life poured out for God—even if it results in death—is never wasted:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Living in discipleship requires sacrifice, but the returns are eternal:
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
We often think of legacy in terms of wealth, recognition, or achievements. But in the kingdom of God, legacy is measured by obedience, love, and courage—especially when it costs everything. Todd Beamer and the other passengers made a choice that day to sacrifice their lives so others could live, and their legacy still ripples across our nation.
We may not ever face a moment like they did, but we do face daily decisions to act selflessly, speak boldly, and live righteously. The call to “lay down our lives” isn’t always dramatic—it might mean giving up time, comfort, pride, or position for the sake of someone else—for the glory of God.
My friend, we can 100% trust God enough to take action—even when the cost is high.
Daily Challenge:
Today, honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 by living in selflessness, courage, and faithfulness for God’s glory.
Prayer:
Lord, help me live with courage that reflects Your love. Let me never forget the price others have paid for freedom—and the ultimate price You paid for my salvation. Give me strength to act when You call me, whether the task is great or small. May my life be a reflection of Your sacrifice and a legacy of Your truth. Amen.
