It’s been two weeks since we heard.
Army Specialist Tom Moffitt was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan.
He was 21, the same age as my brother, Ian.
Tom and his older brother, Jake, were in youth group with Ian and me at Central Community Church in Wichita, Kansas. We didn’t know one another all that well, but we made some fun memories skiing in Colorado and helping with Vacation Bible School.
Tom’s memorial service–a beautiful celebration of his life–took place October 30 at Central Community.
In support of the family, my parents and I were in attendance. On our way to the church, we tried to prepare ourselves for what we might encounter. Sure enough, Fred Phelps and his confused congregation showed up with their “Thank God for dead soldiers” signs to protest the military funeral. We drove by them, shaking our heads in disgust, thinking how sad it was that they would show such disrespect for Tom’s sacrifice.
As we neared the church, the trees lining the edge of the street began to clear, and the sight almost took my breath away.
Photo courtesy of The Wichita Eagle
Hundreds of people surrounded the church parking lot, holding American flags, silently standing tall and proud. I can’t quite explain the feeling that surged through me… intense pride mixed with humility; gratefulness and appreciation for the presence of the Patriot Guard. I have never experienced such a powerful expression of ultimate respect, dignity, and honor.
Fred Phelps and his negativity were forgotten, replaced with the silent reverance and encouragement of the Patriot Guard.
The message was clear: “We know this is hard. We understand. We support you. Tom’s life (and death) mean something. He is important. His service and his sacrifice matter.”
“We stand with you.”
What a statement. So simple, yet full of power.
We stand with you.
At training camp, Michael Hindes went around to each person on our trafficking squad, looked deep in to our eyes, and spoke words of life and support over us. It meant so much knowing he believes in us, not just as a squad, but as individuals.
In life, we need people to stand with us. To support us. To remind us that we matter.
So this is my declaration:
To Tom Moffitt and his family, John, Brenda, and Jake… You are heroes. I am so proud of each one of you, and I’m praying that the God of peace will overwhelm you with His incredible goodness as you move forward in faith.
To my family, Mom, Dad, Ian, and Grandma… I choose to honor you and stand with you, no matter what.
To my friends at Friends, my ballet girls, and my Fine Arts family… I am so thankful for you. I see great potential in you, and I believe in you. Greater things are yet to come!
To the fire-breathing trafficking squad and my Freedom 5:8 girls, Nani, Julie, Kristin, Jenna, and Alicia… I love you all so much. I can’t wait to see how God moves through us to bring light, freedom, and redemption to some of the darkest places on earth. I stand with you.
To the men, women, and children trapped in a vicious cycle of slavery around the world, to those without hope, to those who cannot speak for themselves… I promise to be your voice, to make sure you no longer go unnoticed.
I stand with you.
