The 12 first responders who died battling the fire that led to last week's explosion in West, Texas, were remembered during a memorial service in Baylor University's Ferrell Center yesterday afternoon. The memorial service was organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Texas LODD Task Force. Following a processional down University Parks Drive that included more than 300 fire trucks from all over the country, a capacity crowd filled the Ferrell Center, including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, 4,000 uniformed responders, and thousands of other citizens paying their respects from the West, Waco and Baylor communities and beyond. From all accounts, it was a fitting tribute to these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, families and friends.
Hearing reports of courage and bravery at the highest level should serve to encourage each of us to finish well. In fact, I've told my wife that I only want three words on my tombstone (if she concludes that they are an accurate description)-- "He finished well." That sentiment is nothing new. The Apostle Paul expressed it well:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV)
May the Lord grant each of us the courage and faith to run our respective races and cross the finish line well.
(Dane Fowlkes, Pastor)
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