Left Behind
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When I was in the tenth grade, my family went on a mission trip to the Philippines. The U.S. Department of State issued a warning to travelers. The sinking of the SuperFerry 14 happened the previous year, Christians were targets at other attacks, and armed men kidnapped 19 people, mostly female university students.
My father believed we were old enough to make our own decisions. He called us in a room together and one-by-one, my older siblings prayed and said the same thing. They believed it would be okay, and they were determined to complete the mission.
I put my trust in the Lord, and I figured my dad would go full-on Rambo to protect his children in a crisis. I was also a heavy anime nerd at the time, and the layover was in Japan. But I also had one other relevant belief that filled me with confidence: I’m an American citizen.
During this time, George W. Bush was the president. Say what you will about Bush, but I enjoyed his global reputation as a “cowboy.” I knew if our lives were put into any mortal danger, the United States of America would do whatever within its power to get us home safely.
We left. We had a brief layover in Japan, then safely made it to the Philippines. We gave supplies to an orphanage, had a TV interview, preached at multiple churches, met politicians, and was the first gospel group to perform at a major block party of eight thousand people. The ministers there had never seen a family like ours, working together in ministry, and we inspired other families to do the same. It was an incredibly worthwhile and successful trip.
While there, a friendly young man frequently popped up asking questions about our plans for the day. He was a local who knew a lot about American culture and was a little too nosey. Eventually, he confessed to being a civilian spy sent by the embassy. He even showed us the satellite phone in his backpack to report any suspected trouble. After working with the American government, he hoped to fast-track his immigration to our great nation.
My faith in America was affirmed. When my father traveled to Pakistan to preach to tens of thousands, I had the same assurance. Americans wouldn’t be left behind or forgotten. If an overseas enemy caused harm, there would be retribution. Even Christians in Pakistan were grateful to our cowboy because the oppressive reins of their government were loosened.
Watching the disaster in Afghanistan over the past few weeks has been difficult. President Biden told George Stephanopoulos he was committed to keeping troops on the ground until every American who “wants to be out” got out. Press Secretary Jen Psaki sparred with Fox News’ Peter Doocy, offended at the assertion that Americans were stranded. Even the repeated phrase “wants to be out,” turned my stomach. I saw the goalposts moving and the spin forming in real-time. Biden is now patting himself on the back for completing the mission, which was keeping his promise to the Taliban to be out by August 31. In the meantime, hundreds of Americans have been left behind, along with legal residents and allies.
Now, diplomacy is their only shot. They have to negotiate with terrorists, hope they get a good deal, and a safe return.
I remember watching the towers fall on September 11. I was in middle school. I knew this would rock our nation forever. I also recall President George W. Bush’s promise at Ground Zero. “I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”
Twenty years later, hundreds of Americans are left at the mercy of the Taliban.
I’m grateful to our troops who worked with tied hands and incompetent leaders to get thousands of citizens and allies out. I pray for the families of the 13 fallen troops. We have the greatest military in the world, and they persevered through the weakness of their commander-in-chief.
I’m incredibly proud of the civilians who led an effort to get as many Americans out as possible. They moved mountains to save lives.
America is still strong. Americans are still courageous. Our president has failed to meet the standard.
