“I’ve Come to Save You” – Why Writers Need to Write

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

Don’t stop writing. The world needs to hear your story.

September 11, 2001 began as just another day at the office for Port Authority worker Genelle Guzman. She grabbed a bagel from a kiosk on the first floor of the World Trade Center tower, rode the elevator to the 64th floor, and chatted with her friend and co-worker, Rosy.

Two hours later, she found herself pinned under a million tons of concrete and steel. Grit filled her mouth and eyes. Rubble prevented all but the slightest movements. Darkness shrouded her like the grave. 

As she drifted in and out of consciousness, she prayed. 

During a period of lucidity, she discovered she could move her left hand, so she did, weakly clawing away at the debris that surrounded her. Before long she could see faint grey light through the hole she had created. Then she heard sounds. The crackle of a radio, a shout, a dog’s bark. Genelle summoned her strength and cried out, her voice muffled by the debris. She called again and wiggled her fingers. Soon she felt a warm hand clasp hers. 

“I’m here,” he said. “My name is Paul. I’ve come to rescue you.”

Twenty-seven hours after the tower collapsed, Genelle was lifted from the rubble. She was the last person to be pulled alive from the wreckage of the World Trade Tower. In the twenty years since that day, she’s shared her story with whomever would listen.

Two thousand years ago the world lay buried under the weight of a million sins. The dirt of idolatry, disbelief, and apathy blinded the people. Twisted pillars of nationalism and paganism prevented all but the slightest movement. Spiritual darkness shrouded mankind like the grave.

But one night, a star appeared in the sky, piercing a hole in the darkness.

The words of the prophet Isaiah explained: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

A faithful remnant prayed, and a merciful God heard their cries. He sent a rescuer. To all who call upon Him, He extends His hand, grabs hold, and never lets go.

“I’m here,” He says. “My name is Emmanuel. I’ve come to rescue you.”

He lifts us from the rubble and gives us new life—eternal life. He cleans away the filth, heals our wounds, and sets us on our feet again. Then He sends us out to share our story with whomever will listen.

If you’ve been rescued by Emmanuel, you have a story to tell. Don’t stop writing. The world needs to hear your story.

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“I’ve Come to Save You” – Why Writers Need to Write, encouragement from @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher loves God even more than she loves chocolate—and that’s a lot. Since He saved her at age 18, she’s been on a quest to know and love Him more. Her deepest desire is for others to join her on the journey. As an author, blogger, writing instructor, women’s ministry speaker, and career dental hygienist, she writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. She’s written three devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, and Hungry for God…Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. Her latest book, Refresh Your Prayers, Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise releases March 1, 2022. Connect with her at www.LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).