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fritzpw_admin shouts, "AMERICA PRAYS Chat event starting NOW in the AMERICA PRAYS Chat room. Our first guest is Margaret Becker!"

fritzpw_admin says, "Welcome everyone"

fritzpw_admin says, "We are glad you could join us tonight. This week the United States experienced a devastating blow. The pain and anguish has been felt around the globe. In answer to God's Call to be a light in a dark world the America Prays event was held today. Tonight we have joining us two special guests. But first I would like to introduce our volunteers tonight... Newseditor,pattyhost,spikehost,womenseditor,daisyhost,stormyhost,narfhost, ele_host, and familyeditor. "

fritzpw_admin says, "Our first guest tonight is a native New Yorker... Let's welcome Margaret Becker!"

saythename asks, Maggie, as a native of NYC, how have the recent events affected you?
margaretbecker says, "It's been a very devastating week. I know of people who were in the buildings. It's eerie to look at the skyline and realize that those landmarks are no longer there. It's been a real tough week."

princesscynthiajoy asks, How has this attack personally changed you?
margaretbecker says, "Wow. It's hard to say because I think it's way too soon. I don't think I've "come to" yet to have a realization of how it changed me. I can tell you that I wake up most mornings, get on my knees, and weep. I cry on and off all day long thinking of those families. It's definitely left its mark on me."

margaretbecker says, "But in terms of long-term change, I don't know yet. I'm still numb. I believe the only thing that can stem this is God and His blood. I'm praying His blood will cover the situation."

doorhorse asks, how is this week effecting Christian artists across the world?
margaretbecker says, "Well, I've run into 3 of them this week, one of them is a native New Yorker. She said with tears in her eyes, "They bombed our city." Other artists have been praying constantly, speaking, and directing people towards God. They are utilizing this to draw people to God and His power in this situation."

fropan asks, What song keeps going through your mind right now?
margaretbecker says, "Well, of my music, "Say the Name". It's as basic as that - when Jesus is present, there's some level of comfort that you can't get otherwise. And other than that, it's just mournful stuff, like Bach's Mass in D Minor - songs that are sad but those that have hope."

joeykck asks, With this wake-up call about our situation, do you think lukewarm Christians will actually start walking the walk, and not just talking the talk?
margaretbecker says, "I think people who have never considered Christianity are turning to Him now. "I pray every morning, "God, whoever cries out to You, respond swiftly and in an easily recognizable manner. There's never been a better time, in my generation, for Him to prove Himself and for people to understand who He is and what level of comfort He brings."

jesusmade asks, How can we use this tragedy to lead the lost to the Lord seeing how a lot of people are now very much open?
margaretbecker says, "I think it's already happening naturally, and if we as Christians can just not get in the way - if we can be present to comfort people - if we can show our own vulnerability and our questions and know that God is not threatened. If we can just lean into the process already in motion with integrity, I think God will have a greased path to speak to us and other people."

princesscynthiajoy asks, Are you going to write and publish any music about this?
margaretbecker says, "I'm not sure. I think, in my work, there's a lot that's already spoken to this issue. My work often speaks of suffering - long suffering. But I'm not sure how to turn it into a song at this point."

rguyhost asks, Where were you when you found out about the attacks?
margaretbecker says, "I was at home, on my living room couch, drinking some coffee. A friend called, told me to turn on the TV, and that's when the 2nd airplane hit the WTC."

seweetee asks, What do you think is the proper action for US to take?
margaretbecker says, "I think we need to pray for our leaders like we've never prayed before. I don't care what your politics are - if you're not praying for our leaders, it's not a good thing. I don't know what the right action is, but I do know that I don't want anger to start a war. That much I'm sure of, but I have no idea what the correct response is - I'm just praying. I'm praying God gives our leaders wisdom they've never before experienced."

lbtoy asks, What is the most uplifting thing you have seen as a result of this tragedy?
margaretbecker says, "So many things... Last night, I was with some friends, and we were telling each other about the many stories we'd heard, and it became a night of trying to make people cry a little harder. The acts of kindness were so great, we started to laugh because we were making each other weep b/c of all the kindness. There are so many in this country doing heroic things - mirroring the character of Christ. I'm hopeful because of how we've pulled together as strangers - Christ is being magnified through that action."

the_bug asks, My friend knew someone on one of the planes that crashed into the WTC. How do you think we can reach out to those who lost someone?
margaretbecker says, "It's important for people to know that they can feel terrible. They are allowed to feel terrible. We, as Christians, sometimes want to fix things immediately, and we want to point out God's presence and encourage people not to feel grieved, as if it were almost a sin. And I hope that we can grieve with these people and demonstrate God's presence that way. Jesus wept - we should weep. If we're not weeping about this, we might be missing that part of Jesus in our lives."

luckycharmz asks, what do you think about the rash of hate crimes against Muslims following this attack?
margaretbecker says, "I'm grieved about that. The Muslims are not responsible for this. Sick, evil, "god-inspired" men are responsible for this attack, not the entire Arab and Muslim communities. When Timothy McVeigh bombed the federal building in OK, we didn't blame all blue-eyed, blond men. I'm hoping as Christians, we could reach out to them. Can you imagine what would happen if we did? That would be amazing! When Timothy McVeigh bombed the federal building in OK, we didn't blame all blue-eyed, blond men. I'm hoping as Christians, we could reach out to them. Can you imagine what would happen if we did? That would be amazing!"

saythename asks, I've been encouraged by how the survivorship of NY residents shines through...doesn't that make you proud to be a fellow New Yorker?
margaretbecker says, "I love that! Absolutely - I know that NY is known as being a tough place, but they "love tough" as well. I've wept more than once watching these people caring for each other and intervening on each other's behalf. A man got on a subway yesterday, and heard applause as he was getting on the train. He said it was like a standing ovation. He got off the subway, the crowd parted, and a fireman was walking, covered in soot. He turned to the crowd, took off his helmet, bowed to the crowd, then put his helmet on and kept walking. That's the spirit of NY - respect for respectful things."

rguyhost asks, If you were on one of those planes whom would you call with your cell phone?
margaretbecker says, "Wow - I would call my father first. Then I would call my sister. Then I would call my two best friends."

chatmaster shouts, "How can you help in the midst of the recovery of this disaster? Pray and give. Go to http://www.worldvision.org/americaprays"

fritzpw_admin says, "Margaret, is there anything you would like to share with your fellow New Yorkers? Anything weighing heavy?"

margaretbecker says, "I grieve with you, and I am so very proud of the response that is coming from NY to this terrible tragedy."

catpeace asks, What are people doing to help, besides praying and donating blood?
margaretbecker says, "Of course, World Vision has set up an emergency fund, and at some point, the 800 number will come across the screen. There are many organizations that are donating money - corporations - there are a ton of different ways you can give to this cause and help. Go online to the CNN website for some of those organizations."

fritzpw_admin says, "You all are asking some great questions. Joining us in chat now we have Rick from Sonicflood."

newseditor says, "Rick where were you when you heard about Tuesday's tragedy?"

sonicf1ood says, "I was at home with my wife and little baby in Nashville. The phone kept ringing early starting about 8:00 am. I called my manager back and she told me to turn the TV on. I was immediately in shock. Tonight we were a part of a Billy Graham crusade in North Carolina and I feel that people, myself included, are still in shock."

deblynn77 asks, Hello Rick. My family is enjoying SonicPraise. What has touched your heart the most during these tragedies?
sonicf1ood says, "I believe the way that Americans have sought God through this. I'm driving down the road and on the marquises I see God Bless America. And "We're praying for you DC, NY, and PA. When tragedy hits , we know where to go to find solace."

knewtoomuch asks, Do you anticipate a few new songs from Christian artists being inspired by the events of this week, and if so, what aspect of it?
sonicf1ood says, "It's an extremely emotional event, and I believe that artists usually live on the side of their brain that operates from emotion. How can anybody NOT be inspired to write a song to the Lord as a prayer of "Come quickly Lord, and save us. Give us peace and help us understand It sounds like a Psalm could easily be read. When David is at a loss because tragedy has hit his life. So I think a number of songs could be written. That night I was strumming along on the guitar. I just heard about Tammy Trent's husband's death.

fritzpw_admin says, He died in a diving accident...

sonicf1ood says, I was praying to God, singing my prayer, and I think it was a song that was just meant for the Lord and me at that time.

luckycharmz asks, If you could speak to the main person responsible for this attack, what would you say?
sonicf1ood says, "At first I would ask him why he would commit such a heinous crime. Then I would tell him that Jesus is Lord over all. Those who follow God know who the REAL enemy is, and that he (the person responsible) is being used by Satan as a pawn in this broken world. Then I'd punch him in the mouth!"

margaretbecker says, "Me too!!"

margaretbecker says, "I agree - right down to the punch in the mouth!"

chatmaster shouts, "How can you help in the midst of the recovery of this disaster? Pray and give. Go to http://www.worldvision.org/americaprays"

fritzpw_admin says, "The World Vision Fund ... It’s called the American Families Assistance fund. You can call at 1-800-700-4911 and the website is http://www.worldvision.org"

deblynn77 asks, Rick: I want you to know that Christian music is even more comforting at this time because it is God inspired. Do you feel like you need our prayers at this time?
sonicf1ood says, "I think we all need each other's prayers. Never underestimate the power of prayer. I don't mean to sound glum or hopeless, but it's a real kick in the pants, you know, it's like wake up and smell the coffee, Satan is alive and kicking and he's here to kill, rob, and destroy."

princesscynthiajoy asks, What would you tell the President if you could speak to him?
margaretbecker says, "I would tell him to stay on his knees until he had peace about whatever decision he needs to make. "Then I would tell him that we will support his decision and uphold him in every way."

bobby_c asks, What do you think about America's entire response to the situation?
sonicf1ood says, "I think it's beautiful the way that all of America, no matter what race you are, if you're American we're all coming together and comforting each other, holding each other, while we all mourn. It's beautiful.

philipb2 asks, how will this tragedy effect your music in the future
margaretbecker says, I see every time that I get the opportunity to write or perform as an opportunity to encourage and change people. I believe this will drive that desire even deeper. Hopefully, my desire will find an even greater skill to drive people to Jesus. I hope my tools are refined by this experience. It's hard to know because at this moment I'm at a complete loss of words. I think it was such a numbing tragedy, and I'm just going to need some time with the Lord to figure it out.

fellowamerican asks, The hardest part is probably still to come, what do you as artists consider doing to help Americans get through this very hard time?
margaretbecker says, I do believe the hardest is yet to come. I think as much as we can, we need to encourage and uphold and lead into Christ's presence with our craft, our skills, and with our platforms. We need to use them all for good - the best usage is to usher people closer to Christ. It's the only thing we can hold onto.

sonicf1ood says, Ditto. As we lift up people to the Lord, he will draw them into Himself.

hisartist asks, How do you think that we, as America, should handle this assault? When the Bible says Vengeance is mine sayeth the lord?
sonicf1ood says, God also instituted civil government, to punish evil and to encourage good. And without it the world would be in shambles.

knewtoomuch asks, What reaction, if any, did you see in the audience as a result of the events of this week?
sonicf1ood says, They were very despondent, numb, desiring peace from God...desiring to be consoled and comforted.

the_bug asks, How can we Americans deal with our anger?
margaretbecker says, Vengeance is mine, says the Lord, and I think it's good to be able to acknowledge that you feel anger - and to feel it, but to recognize that ultimately it will accomplish very little other than purging your own frustration. It's good to acknowledge it's there, but we need to remember that God is at work in all things and He's at work here -- somewhere.

fritzpw_admin says, Rick and Margaret, thank you so much for joining us tonight. I know this week has been trying on each of you as well. Is there anything you would like to say in closing?

sonicf1ood says, I would encourage everyone to keep as your first priority your relationship with the Lord, and he's not up there wringing his hands saying, Oh no, somebody bombed America. We need to mourn with those who mourn, and cry with those who cry and pray that God would reveal himself to those who have a myriad of questions about why this tragedy happened.

margaretbecker says, I would like to encourage people - even beg people - to pray more than they ever have before... For our nation, our leaders, our communities, the victims and their families...to pray and to seek God and to ask His blood to cover the situation. I would also beg people to be peacemakers because in the coming days, I think the media is going to break out the big guns, and we're going to hear all sorts of opinions and criticisms about what took place. This is not the time to come apart - this is the time for the nation to come together - not judge - just uphold. Let's be strong - let's show the strength of Jesus in our nation.

margaretbecker waves at everyone.

sonicf1ood says, bye everyone

sonicf1ood says, rock on!

fritzpw_admin says, Thank you for coming everyone. We are so glad you could make it. Please be sure to check out events page for other events in the works... http://chat.crosswalk.com/events. Also be sure you ched out World Vision's America Prays at http://www.worldvision.org.