Let’s set a time for Wednesday evening (tomorrow night) at 8 PM CST and play it through 3 times…slowly. Once for the victims, once for their families, and once for our nation. I hope you all will feel moved to join in. Betty
Amazing Grace: how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The LORD has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures;
He shall my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall posess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace…
When we’re been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
then when we’re first begun.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in time of trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
Even though the earth be moved,
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea…”
–Psalm 46
Thank you Tom. I needed that refresher.
Eight o’clock tomorrow it is, GM
We’ll be singing it a cappella, this Sunday in Church.
JP
Ofcourse I will join in. Hopefully many more will do so of this community whatever part of the world we are in!!!
It’s a comfort knowing that so many peoples feelings unite us to do something (however small). We will play for the loss of lives, the attack on peoples senses and the worldwide right to democracy and freedom. Let’s also focus our hope that whatever action the American Government will take, is in co-operation with the international community and not violent retaliation. Fears that this tragedy will snowball are very real (for the people in Europe, as I can only speak for the fears and feelings overhere).
In the hope to give some more comfort, I want to tell you a little bit of European information/reaction to this tragedy.
All 18 NATO countries and EU have all expressed their shock, outrage, compassion and support to the US. (This even included the Russian leader, the Palestinian leader, Iran and Syriace). Without exception, all of them consider this an act of war against freedom and democracy. The international worldwide community has to unite to support the US and send a strong message that terrorists acts will not be tolerated.
Ambassies and other American buildings throughout the world have been evacuated. People lay flowers in sympathy (even in Russia). Really strict security measures have been taken worldwide. A lot of people are stranded at the airport (of American diverted flights) and shelter is being arranged. Efforts are being made by the European Central Bank to support the American financial market/economy. Ofcourse all support the President of the US in this situation but I’m sure it’s wellknown that overall in the European community there hasn’t been much support or faith in Bush as President. This contributes now to the fear of him taking rash action under the pressure of public opinion. But these are just feelings and in action he will be supported.
After office hours, Amsterdam, where I live was so quiet it was spooky. Hardly any traffic or people about, everyone in shock in front of the tv. I have been crying in shock and disbelieve since it happened. Slowly now, outrage is taken over and I feel the need to do something, anything constructive. Although I absolutely don’t feel like it, I will join in playing Amazing Grace. Knowing that others will do the same at the exact same time will make it special.
Can someone post timezones difference for those that want to join in?
Take care and lets unite!
Ilana
Amsterdam
Thank you ILana, I appreciate your thoughts.
We will post the time zones as soon as possible. Betty
I’d like to thank all those outside the U.S. who have expressed their sorrow. It is of some comfort.
Hope this is of help to those who want to join in playing Amazing Grace.
http://www.worldtimezone.com/
-Steve
Thanks Steve.
Well, folks…I’ve goofed (not the 1st time) That should have been 8 PM CDT and also…when I picked that time I wasn’t taking into consideration it would be the middle of the night for our friends overseas.
I’m sorry. Betty
Thanks for the timezone link.
8 CST means Central Something(?) Time I suppose. That would mean about 3 in the morning here, but that’s of no importance.
Take care everyone,
Thanks Betty. You have a great heart.
If everyone played at 8:00 PM their time zone there would be continuous Amazing Grace around the clock and around the world.
God, Who is timeless is pleased with our offerings any time.
God, Who is all knowing knows us each one and accepts our individual offerings.
God, Who is all powerful amplifies the little we think we are offering so that it more than counts.
I love that idea…everyone can play it at 8 PM in his or her time zone, three times through. I’ll sing it, too.
Jessie
I think this is a marvelous idea and will be in my backyard at 8pm. We all feel so helpless, but this will help in some way; I just hope I can play it all the way through three times without losing it.
Hey Betty,
I’ll add my whistle-voice to this community choir. I can’t do it at 6:00 PM EST but I can at 8:00 PM.
Good idea Betty, Mack.
Vinny
I know I could not get through it if I had to sing it… but playing the whistle seems to make it easier. When I played at a funeral recently …I just prayed that I could remove myself from the situation…and it worked!
grannymouse,i’ll be playing along with you
all on uilleann pipes,8:00
tansy
I just looked up the music and practiced a bit. I’ll surely be joining at 8 PM CET (central european). It may not sound wonderful but I’ll mean every note of it.
I did not feel much yesterday, I was just stunned. But this morning the full horror just sank in, no pictures of buildings collapsing, just of the people who are being helped and the people who were giving blood and other help to victims. Every time I saw it on the TV I was at the virge of tears again.
May the goddess smile upon the paths of those who have been struck by this disaster.
hugs
Arnout
I’ll try but I’m not sure I can. I’ve been crying off and on since yesterday. When I woke this morning I had so hoped this was all just a horrid nightmare.
It’s now fifteen minutes after 8 PM CST in Germany. I’ve played Amazing Grace trough 3 times slowly. I never met one of you, but sometimes feeling like having friends on this board. I’m with Ilana, here in Europe our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Llhorian (Arnout) and I played at 20.00hrs our time. A show of solidarity because that’s all we can do.
To those of you that don’t think they’ll be able to: just think of all the rescue personell and people struggling to survive right now. What they are doing is so much more difficult. The least we can do is blow some breath to a whistle, even while we’re crying. 
You don’t know the extend of your own strength untill you challenge it.
All the best!