Allen was at UAB playing football and baseball when he was interviewed by the Birmingham Press. He was asked how he felt about his birthday being on such a tragic day of our Country’s history; Allen responded “Sometimes God allows tragic things to wake us up and get us back to Him and today on my birthday more people have prayed and came back to Christ, than on any other day of the year”. Every time I think about his response to such a difficult question I am so proud to claim him as my big brother. Probably for most who remember Allen they would think of how silly he was but buried in his big heart was a heart for God and for people. He was always a man who wanted to do something so amazing and he never wanted to be normal. He wanted to make a difference and although the devil tried his best to get after Allen; God won his life. I know God fought for Allen’s life until his very last breathe and I know with out a doubt He was victorious. Allen was closer to God than he had ever been when he was called home. God loves his children and his people more than anything. We are so blessed to have the love of the King of Kings and almighty God showered over us daily.
When our Country was attacked I was sitting in class; Faith Academy halls filled with students as we came together and prayed for our nation. Patriotism surrounded us as many young men wanted to join and fight this war. As we move on and have taken our place in everyday life, we many times forget moments like these. It is hard to imagine forgetting such events but somehow we manage to push them to the side and focus on day in day out task. For many that is a means of survival for others it is denial. As things have moved on and time has past our country sometime forgets that day. No matter the reason we forget how much we knew we needed God and we forget what it was like to have nothing but a simple prayer to fight this war of life. I am so proud of Allen for recognizing even through the most tragic events in life that God is moving, that God is real and that God has us in His hands. Allen understood Gods love for us was much deeper than we could ever imagine; he understood this life and this shell we are in is only temporary.
Allen will never know how much his words impacted my life. In May 2008, I found myself going back to his same words as I stood grieving as many others did years before on September 11th. I reflect back and through the brokenness, darkness and hurt God allowed me to feel comfort and peace. You see, Allen knew that God used tragedy to change lives. Little did he know God was going to allow him to be used to change lives as-well. Through Allen and Justin’s lives God allowed souls to be saved. Much like the families impacted on September 11th, we never forget what we felt, we never forget our loved ones and we never forget what they meant to us; however some have forgotten what they felt that day and many say it was emotions; however, when each of us take our last breath, we will know it was real. We will know God is real, Heaven AND Hell are real and we need to live every day on our knees if we have to, to make sure we get to the right place.
As we are taken back 10 years ago, we pray for our loved ones, we pray for the individuals who were involved that day. We pray for our nation that we remain strong and that we remember not to trust in ourselves but to trust in the ONE and Only true God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We support out troops and show them our love and gratitude. We would not be safe to lay our heads down at night without their continued efforts to fight this war and defend this great country. I am now married to a soldier of my own and I’m so proud of Blake. I’m so thankful God allowed me to have such brave Christian men in my life to fight both the physical and spiritual battles in life. I feel I have my own personal army in Heaven and on Earth.
Today on September 11, 2011 we honor the lives that have gone on before us and the bravery shown through the years. To my warm hearted, amazing brother thank you so much for all the many things you taught me and Happy Birthday in Heaven!
Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek the face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Recently I have faced my own other battles, my sweet Aunt Pam gave me this scripture below yesterday and it is now the words I choose to stand on. She encouraged me and reminded me that we must pray the Word of God daily. So thankful for amazing people God places in my life.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
