I’ve been enthralled and inspired by the remarkable heroism of the three American men who, using nothing more than their hands and hearts, overwhelmed a heavily-armed Islamic terrorist on a French train, preventing a certain bloodbath. I loved the BBC’s analysis of the French’s outpouring of gratitude to them:
The French are enthralled by the three Americans who acted so swiftly to stop the Thalys gunman. In their news conference Sunday afternoon at the US embassy in Paris, they came over as archetypes of American masculine virtue: handsome, strong, modest.
Deep in the French gene, there is something that responds positively to this. It is the same spirit that is so grateful – 70 years on – for the American sacrifice in the Normandy landings: a recognition of the American capacity to join moral clarity with swift, decisive action.
Yes, believe it or not, these words were on the BBC website, words of deserved and unstinting praise for American masculinity, American moral clarity, and American courage. I hope many young men will see such virtue and aspire to it in every walk of life.
The more I hear about what these men did, the more I marvel at them, and also thank God that He is still giving such brave and selfless men to the human race.
I’ve had similar feelings as I’ve been reading through The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau. Although it’s a painful read at times, it’s also a story of astonishing and inspirational courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds. What mercy that God gave such men at such a time for such a task. And what mercy that He gave us Spencer Stone, Alex Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler.
It’s also occasion to remember that since 9/11 thousands of American men and women have given their lives (and are still doing so) to protect and free others. The fact that their stories rarely make the front pages in no way diminishes their beautiful valor.
To all the men and women working to protect and free this nation and others, I salute you, admire you, thank you, and worship God for what He has made you and enabled you to do.