Waking up on 9/11
In this episode of the Difference Makers Podcast, host Dr. Jim Hoven interviews Christina Stanton, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks and a longtime New York City tour guide. Christina recounts her harrowing experience of witnessing the attacks from just six blocks away, detailing the chaos, fear, and acts of kindness she encountered during and after the tragedy. Her first hand perspective provides a deeply personal and emotional account of one of the most significant events in modern history. She also shares how the event shaped her faith, leading her to a life dedicated to service, education, and remembrance.
Christina has spent decades as a tour guide and journalist, ensuring that the memory of 9/11 remains alive for future generations. She highlights the overwhelming heroism and kindness shown by both first responders and ordinary citizens, emphasizing that the tragedy also brought out the best in humanity. Today, through her nonprofit work, speaking engagements, and faith-based initiatives, she continues to make a difference by helping vulnerable communities and sharing the lessons of resilience, unity, and compassion she learned from that life-changing day.
Key Insights
- Firsthand Witness to 9/11: Christina and her husband lived six blocks from the Twin Towers and saw the second plane hit.
- Survival and Chaos: She describes the evacuation, the overwhelming dust, and the moment she thought she would not survive.
- The Power of Kindness: She recounts how strangers, boat captains, and faith-based groups helped her and others in the aftermath.
- Lasting Impact of 9/11: The tragedy shaped her worldview, leading her to faith, nonprofit work, and preserving the memory of 9/11.
- The Role of a Tour Guide: Christina now gives tours of the 9/11 Memorial, ensuring younger generations understand the significance of that day.
- “Look for the Helpers” Mentality: Inspired by Fred Rogers’ famous quote, she encourages acts of kindness as a way to pay it forward.
FAQ
- What was Christina Stanton’s experience during 9/11?
She and her husband lived just six blocks from the World Trade Center and saw the second plane hit. They fled to Battery Park, where they were trapped with hundreds of others, covered in dust, and feared for their lives before being rescued by boat. - How did 9/11 change her life?
The experience led her to faith and inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others. She became involved in mission work, started a nonprofit, and began sharing her story through books, articles, and guided tours. - What is the main message she wants people to take from 9/11?
Beyond the tragedy, she emphasizes the acts of heroism and kindness displayed that day. She wants people to remember not just the loss but also the unity and compassion that emerged. - How does she keep the memory of 9/11 alive?
She conducts 9/11 Memorial tours, writes about her experience, and speaks at events to educate people about the tragedy and its aftermath. - What advice does she give for dealing with hardship?
She encourages people to “look for the helpers” and to be a source of kindness and strength for others, as they will one day need support themselves.
