September 8, 2013
Welcome
everyone -- so wonderful to have such a great turn out for the Texas
FireWalkers memorial stair climb. For those that do not know me, My name
is Tom Harkins, I was a Volly in NY and here in Texas. I have now
dedicated my life to the Chaplaincy with the Texas Firewalkers,I am here
for you. And a big thank you to Pee Wee for giving me this opportunity.
We
gather today to honor those gave their lives so that others may live on
September 11, 2001, and this year we also carry ,February 18, 2013 in
Bryan, Tx, April 17, 2013 in West, TX, May 31 in Houston, and June 30th
in Yarnell AZ in our hearts.
In Romans 5:3, it reads:
rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and
endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
I
believe this passage sums up today to a Tee. Let us today rejoice in
our sufferings. Let us carry in our hearts the courage, and character
of those we honor, and in doing so, let us feel the hope of the future.
This
is not a race , but a time of reflection on those lost. A time to
honor bravery and sacrifice. A time to lift up and carry and hold close
the friends and families of those that have given their all. A time to
share a message of endurance, and character and most importantly hope
for the loved ones of the fallen.
Capt.Patrick Brown FDNY 3 Truck once said "When the public needs help
they call us, when we need help all we have is each other". And while
the path of grief is a personal one, we are proof here today the
Brotherhood is still alive. That no matter how near or far, we are but
one family, and we all do grieve the losses of our brothers and sisters.
We
thank the Lord for giving us these amazing men and women, and ask for
continued blessings for their families, so they know they are not
walking through this grief alone.I leave you wit the prayer of Fr Mychal
Judge “ Lord take me where you want me to go, let me meet who you want
me to meet, tell me what you want me to say, and keep me out of your
way”
Let us pray:
Heavenly
Father, thank you for allowing us to all be here today to give tribute
to those we have lost on September 11, 2001 in New York, and all the
other LODD’S across our great country.
We
ask that you bless the bodies of those about to climb and be with them
every step of the physical, mental and emotional journey on which they
are about to embark.
We
ask that you continue to surround the families and friends of those
that have entered your eternal kingdom with your unwavering love and
comfort, and let their hearts be lighter for the shared sorrow we
endure.
Please
stay with and help lead the way for those that are fighting disease and
cancer, and bless their families with the support, courage and love
that will guide them through the fight. I know, Lord, that when the
hours seem the darkest, your light shines the brightest, and we pray
they will find strength in your light.
And
I ask that you stay with all of us today, as we go forth from here.
Bless us Oh Lord, and let us carry your love and strength through today,
and into all of our tomorrows.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
© 2013 FirefighterBattlesCancer.blogspot.com, Tom Harkins, Gina Arnold
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