Thirteen-year-old Haley Hartwick gave the following testimony at a Fields of Faith Rally for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in October 2008:
In December 2005, my father left for Iraq on his second tour. I didn’t realize it would be my last goodbye. On April 2, 2006, my mom, my seven-year-old brother, and I received tragic news that my dad had been killed in action while on a flight mission the day before. We were all brokenhearted. All I could do that night was cry my heart out. Friends and our church family came for comfort. I stayed locked up in my room. I was asking God why he had done such a dramatic thing to me. Why me Lord? Why such a great man? At the time it was so hard to glorify and understand the Lord, but my mom always said to praise the Lord through the good and bad. My mother was such a great role model through this time. She led us strong with encouragement.
God was testing our faith for him. When God gives you a situation you have to try your hardest to praise him and make it. A few months after his death, this wonderful organization (Snowball Express) gave us a trip to California with other Gold Star Families. I came home from the trip overwhelmed by how much God has really blessed me by having ten years of memories to cherish. I knew my dad loved me and I know my Heavenly Father up above loves me. As long as you have faith you’ll be good, because faith is like a muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets.
I honestly believe that everything rides on hope and faith. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me if have faith, trust, and love the God almighty. I know for sure I’m going to see my dad and God someday in heaven. Are you?
Lord, grant me child-like trust and faith in you, even when life isn’t what I expected.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)