Beloved Memories

The childhood years of my friend Seth Ricketts were filled with G.I. Joe and green Army men. He wanted to be a soldier as a little bitty guy and never grew out of it.

Seth grew up, and on September 11, 2001, watched in horror along with all of America as thousands of his countrymen were forced to jump to their deaths as the World Trade Center towers crashed down upon them. Seth signed up on 9/12. Destiny called, and true to form, Seth answered.  He said he was going to protect his country and keep that kind of thing from happening to his family. Over the next nine years and five tours of duty in the Middle East, his family grew to include his wife, Rosie, and three kids – the loves of Seth’s life.

After his fifth tour, there was a presentation of medals and accolades that you expect for such a warrior – the Army Commendation Medal among them. Seth’s platoon leader gave testimony to our hometown hero’s values, dedication, and love for his family and country.

Seth was killed in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, while fighting with the 82nd Airborne just days before he was scheduled to come home for good. He put his men before his own life. That’s just who he was.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. – John 15:14

For as long as there has been anything worth keeping, protecting, and achieving, there have been wars. As long as there have been wars, there have been parents, wives, and children who received medals instead of the person they hoped would come home.

I appreciate the selflessness and commitment of our Armed Forces. I am heartbroken for the families grieving the fallen. I know Father God grieves as well. His one and only Son was a warrior who put others ahead of Himself. He battled true evil – death and hell – to set all of mankind free from slavery to satan.

God Himself knows the pain of sacrificing His Son. Jesus knows what it’s like to be that sacrifice and, praise God, He would have done it to save just you or I. Now, that’s greater love!