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Hokie Pride

April 17, 2008

There are times in our lives where events happen that change us forever. Moments when our heart softens and remains that way never returns to its former state. Like the moment I saw my wife walk through the doors of my church, the day of our wedding. The moment I saw a life enter the world and I became less Chad and more Macie’s father. Moments like when I realized Jesus had a plan for my life and I submitted to follow His leading.The time evil attacked our nation on 9/11. The day when evil invaded my home, shattered 100’s of lives and ended 32. It is this one that strikes home today, the one year anniversary.

Blacksburg, Virginia. To me, a little slice of heaven. A place I called home for four years, and I place I would return in a heartbeat. It’s a place hard to describe to others because unless you have lived there, you can’t grasp the meaning of Hokie Pride. I did not even know it existed until I made my first trip to see if it was where my college journey was going to lead. I walked away after that weekend knowing for sure it was where God wanted me. I have heard the question more times than I can count, “What is a Hokie.” The best thing I can come up with to say is, “I am.” My wife is. And through many years of dilligent prayer, my daughter will be too! 

Watching the events 365 days ago take place on my beloved campus seemed all too surreal, like watching a bad movie. I just remember thinking, “That can’t really be happening at Tech.” The images showing the drill field occupied by police and media instead of carefree students, just didn’t fit. Students screaming and crying instead of laughing and cheering. Seeing students gathering a thousand strong singing Amazing Grace and holding candles instead of dancing to Enter Sandman and cheering our team, just didn’t fit. Seeing evil attempt to destroy something I love so much was painful. BUT, as often as evil has tried, its terror comes to an end. It is not the evil we remember today, it is the victory. The pain is still there and for the families it will always be there. For the friends the pain will always be a reminder. But the stories I will always remember are about the ones who faced evil and rose against it. The students that survived and helped lead others to safety. Liviu Librescu, who survived one monster only to stand up to another one while his students escaped. Stories about other schools coming together to help during a difficult time. Students and families returning to the only place of refuge during a storm like that, the loving arms of Jesus. 

I have read countless blogs of students describing their last year and how all the good things that have come from this dark moment. I saw a stadium filled with Wahoos offer their support. One student in particular made a quilt for a victim’s mom and will give it to her today. Hearing of the stories coming out of the BCM at Tech and one of my favorite people on the earth, Darrel Cook reminds me that God is faithful even during the darkest of storms. Yesterday I spent a few minutes praying again for the families and friends of the 32. Below is a list of their names and I would ask you to do the same.

 

 

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