The Illinois Patriot Guard rumbled onto our church parking lot, honored guests of our annual Biker Sunday. We invited them because of their dedication to our military and first responders.
This nationwide group was formed in 2005 in response to Westboro Baptist “church”, a hate-driven cult that pickets military funerals and carries signs telling the world that God hates soldiers, homosexuals, and anyone else who disagrees with their founder.
Can you imagine sitting graveside, about to lower your son’s casket into the ground and hearing, “Soldiers deserve to die!”
To ensure dignity and respect for our fallen and their families, the Patriot Guard often forms a line, shielding them from protestors. Their American flags block the view and their rumbling motorcycles drown out the shouts.
That’s why we celebrated the Illinois Patriot Guard with a dynamic church service, rocking music, and an outdoor barbecue.
While mingling with our guests, I spoke to Viet Nam veteran, Steve Ballard. Yesterday, he rode with the Guard, to escort Pfc. Toppen’s flag-draped coffin from Midway Airport to his hometown, Mokena.
Ballard told me about the emotional toll these rides take. Amidst the sadness, he’s inspired by children, elderly – and every age in between – who line the streets, rain or shine. Whether their smiling, crying, waving or saluting, they represent the best in us: compassion, goodness, and sacrificial love. And that’s exactly what I saw in the teary eyes of that Viet Nam Vet.
As I thanked him for his commitment to our soldiers, he said something that stuck with me:
“It’s ironic that we started because of a church, and now we’re here being honored by a church.”
I hadn’t thought of it that way. Yes, a beautiful irony. It took me a moment to respond.
“I hope people don’t lump all Christians in with the protestors. They don’t represent true Christ followers or the heart of God.”
He smiled as I scrambled for pen and paper to capture our conversation. When the motorcycles revved up for a sixty mile ride, he tossed me his business card and went to join them.
Our chat left me thinking about two churches: one spewing hatred and one sowing love. Second Corinthians reminds me that “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” That’s true for a church and also for each individual who claims to be a Christian.
So, I ask myself: Who do I represent? My pastor says, “Remember who you and whose you are, regardless of where you are.”
That’s what I want. I want my attitude and actions to line up with – to be worthy of – my Savior’s name. Every American has a debt to honor. Especially those who claim to follow Christ. Let’s represent Jesus with grace and unconditional love.
The Illinois Patriot Guard stands strong with compassion, goodness, and sacrificial love. They shield others from hate. May we do the same.
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