Angels on Guard

by Edie Melson

If you say "The Lord is my refuge," and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:9-11

I will never hear the rumble of a motorcycle again without remembering that day...

It was the funeral service of an army medic, killed by an IED two days after Christmas. He was barely 20 years old and graduated high school in 2010 with my middle son.

While none of us was looking forward to the service, our anxiety was increased by advance knowledge of the planned protest. The group had announced they would be present.

The mindset of people who think they are doing anything productive by harassing families struck by tragedy is beyond me. I know, no matter whom they claim to represent, they are nothing more than ignorant hate-mongers. But my heart ached at the thought of this brave family enduring anything additional on this day.

Then we found out the Patriot Guard would be on duty.

This amazing organization has banded together to stand, as a wall of avenging angels, between the family and those who sought to harm them. I could try to explain their mission, but it’s most aptly stated in the mission statement found on their website. 

Outside the church, they surrounded the mourners, standing at attention and shielding them from all uninvited interlopers. Their respectful silence said it all. These men and women travel hundreds of miles to show the respect of a grateful nation . . . and the provision of God.

Inside the church I listened with one ear to the moving service, and the other straining to catch any sounds of the protestors. I prayed that nothing would interrupt the tribute to brave man. As the service progressed I began to relax, nothing from the outside penetrated the sanctuary.

Then I began to hear—or more accurately feel—a deep rumbling roar. It was an almost inaudible hum, a vibration that seemed to ebb and flow. As I strained to identify the source of the noise, it suddenly hit me. It was the sound of a thousand motorcycle engines, their owners revving the motors to cover any possibility of disrespect.

I smiled to myself. God had set his angels to guard around those who were grieving. And in those engines, I heard the voice of God daring anyone to protest the sacrifice of this young soldier.