Courage in the Night

Debbie Lee, Gold Star Mother of Marc Alan Lee, First Navy SEAL Killed in Iraq

It was a warm August evening in Surprise, Arizona, and my Bible study was gathered as we celebrated my birthday. One of my friends had given me one of the Willow Tree Angels named “Courage.” She told me that it reminded her of me. To her, I was a Woman of Courage.

None of us knew at that moment just how much courage would be required for me to survive what was about to happen, which would change my life forever.

As we were finishing cake and ice cream, I received what would be the most devastating phone call of my life. My oldest son, Kristofer, called asking where I was and how long it would take me to get home. When I questioned why, he said, “You just need to come home.” I had a sick feeling in my stomach, and I knew what faced me ahead. I knew that when I arrived home, I would be informed that my youngest son Marc had died— the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq.

Something inside me knew that when Marc left my home in March of 2006, he wouldn’t be returning; that would be the last time I would see him. I’m not a fearful, worrisome type of person, and I didn’t dwell on that while he was deployed, but somehow I knew. I immediately left and asked my friends to pray. As I drove home, a song came to me.

I put my hope in you, Oh Lord, trusting you I will not be shaken, knowing that you will see me through I put my hope in you. I sang it over and over as I drove home.

I expected to see a black sedan sitting in front of my house, but there wasn’t one. I guess I’ve seen too many movies. Instead, I saw Kris pacing in the street.

“Mom, the Navy’s here,” he said, confirming the news—Marc was dead.

My friends prayed, cried, and comforted me. God provided friends that night and insights on courage to prepare me, knowing how much I would need to trust him to face the days ahead.

Prayer: Thank you for the gift of courage.