The Cowboy’s Last Ride

     Off in the distance, you can see a man upon a horse. He’s carrying an American flag. The early morning sunrise is sending a glint of sparkle off his pistol, hanging from his side. He rides the horse back and forth across the ridge, holding the flag with purpose… First morning of the occupation…

Enters on stage, a quiet man, with a confident gate… His hat is the first thing that you notice. To him, it’s just another extension of his body. To the world, it’s a label. Some would say, “Cowboy.” some would say, “hill billy.” To him, it says, “Rancher, Patriot, father, husband, grandfather, HISTORY.”

We have heard of the others, but we are just now meeting this Cowboy. He smiles as he approaches. He smiles as he leaves. When his mouth isn’t smiling, his eyes are. He speaks softly, confidently and shows his education. And he is, indeed, educated. We begin to pay close attention to this Cowboy. His demeanor wins him respect. We come to look forward to his updates. We know that when he speaks, truth comes from his mouth, and from his heart.

He becomes the nations Cowboy. He gives us hope. He speaks with such passion that you can’t help but feel as though is he including every single person listening, near or far. He makes you truly believe that you can make a difference. He challenges all to take hold of the things that you believe in.

And so, like every great Cowboy, it is his destiny to ride off into the sunset. To leave us wondering what to do now. As he sits around a campfire in the company of angels, we are left here. Here in a world full of confusion and anger. He leaves a family, a wife, a ranch. He leaves dear friends, new and old, some he knew, and most he never met. He leaves a nation wanting to lash out at his senseless death.

I have watched the video. I am sickened by the image of this man, this Patriot, this legend, being mowed down in the snow. I am sickened at the thought that these men who are responsible for this, took an OATH to protect this man, to protect us all. I’m angry, and I’m confused. And I feel helpless. But mostly, I’m just sickened.

Our country is in distress. Along the way, we have lost the greatness, the dignity and the unity that once made this the most coveted nation in the world. We demonize and mock men and women who stand against the very government that we constantly bitch about. Most of us do not have the courage to leave our homes, our families, our jobs to go stand against tyranny being committed against someone we barely know. Yet, this Cowboy, and this group of Patriots did. And for that, he paid the ultimate price.

He lived John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Can you imagine? Can you, in your busy day to day life, imagine leaving your home to go help someone you hardly know? This Cowboy couldn’t imagine NOT doing that. As he couldn’t imagine turning away any of the dozens and dozens of troubled teens that crossed his threshold.

So, this Cowboy, this man, this Patriot, has taken his last ride. He has carried his last burden and laid them at the feet of his Savior. He’s finally home. Where the grass is always plentiful, the cows are always fat, and the Constitution is always respected and protected. He wears a different hat now. Not a brown Stetson with dust on the rim… But a crown, shiny and beautiful and full of jewels.

And here, the country is divided. The dust has not settled. And I pray that it never does. We can NOT let this man go down quietly. WE THE PEOPLE need to not only remember, but make sure that everyone else remembers, as well…..

So, ride on, LaVoy. Your work here is done. It’s time for someone else to pick up the fight. Enjoy your new label, CHILD OF GOD… you have earned it…….