Written by Samuel Lawrence
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Almost a year ago, a friend and co-worker lost a son, Captain Mark R. McDowell, (USAF) who was killed in Afghanistan on July 18, 2009. Captain Mark R. McDowell’s service required the ultimate sacrifice from him and he gave it freely. Mark gave his life for a cause he believed in and he lived his life for the Master he so willingly worshipped and served. Mark ran his race well and he ran his race to the fullest of his capabilities. He is a child of God and now he resides with his Father above. There is a saying that fits the way Mark lived, “Take care of your body as if you will live forever, Take care of your soul as if you will die tomorrow”. That is the way Mark lived each and every day.
The following is what Mark chose to have written beside his graduation picture from the Air Force Academy in 2005. While others were thanking family and friends, Mark left his classmates and Air Force comrades with the following scripture:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
In memory of my friend’s son, Mark, and in honor of my older Brother, Eddie Lawrence, and my brother-in-law, Tony Franco who both served in Vietnam and also several uncles who served in WWII and the Korean War, I am posting the following video:
