I witnessed the horror of 9/11 firsthand. Here's what I learned about God, courage and life

Tuesday, 8:46 a.m., September 11, 2001, changed my life — and the lives of millions of others — forever. Nineteen hijackers from the terrorist organization al Qaeda carried out the devils work, resulting in the murder of 2,977 innocent souls who were never able to fulfill the measure of their creation. I witnessed the horror unfold up close while working at Merrill Lynch on the top floor of the World Financial Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City.

When I heard the loudest explosion, I rushed to the window and saw a gaping hole, chunks of the silver metallic building falling like confetti, massive flames and black smoke billowing from the North Tower (1 WTC). I could not process what I was seeing. I had walked through 1 WTC only an hour earlier. My first thought was: "People are dying up there." My heart was crushed as the terror continued.

After I watched the second plane slam into the South Tower (2 WTC), I knew we were under attack. I frantically escaped my building. Amid the pandemonium, a sobering question came to mind. For a moment, time stood still, and I asked myself: If I were to die today, am I prepared to meet my Maker? Am I ready to die?

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Through the fear and terror, I experienced a glimmer of peace as I dug deep to make sense of the mayhem. One thing I knew for certain: I was a child of God, and He loved me. I felt that calm reassurance even in the darkness. There was hope. I instantly knew I was at the WTC for a reason. Right then, I vowed that I would stand as a witness for God, serve others and serve our great nation.

I stayed true to that vow and left the lucrative financial industry in 2009 to serve as an FBI special agent.

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I witnessed the best and worst of humanity on 9/11. Selflessness, sacrifice, and courage were on full display among the FDNY, NYPD, the Port Authority Police Department, first responders and everyday civilians who perished protecting strangers. These patriots ran toward danger while everyone else ran away. Passengers on United Flight 93 bravely prevented the plane from reaching its intended target.

We also pay tribute to the thousands of rescue and recovery workers who have since died from health issues resulting from exposure to Ground Zero toxins. No words adequately express the praise these heroes deserve. May all those murdered on 9/11 rest in peace, and may God comfort their loved ones who continue to live with unimaginable loss. The hijackers destroyed towers and killed thousands, but the spirits of those we lost are eternal and will live on forever.

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