This story is about a boy. This boy was specifically designed by God to change the world. He was God’s warrior. He would’ve been on God’s Seal Team 6. Everything this boy did, he did as unto the Lord. He never held anything back and strived to be the best at it. School, sports, serving, loving. Every time, everything was 100%. Tragically, 8 years into his mission to change the world, it was cut short. The boy was so driven and wanted to complete his so badly that he came up with a plan. If his mission gets cut short, he’ll leave pieces of him behind so that his mission will carry on. Other people will use those pieces of him to continue to change the world. Although this boy’s race-mission has finished, the goal will carry on through his gifts.

This next story is about a family. This family had made it their whole life purpose to serve people, love people and show people who Jesus is. They were doing the best they could and were doing a decent job at it. One day, a thief saw the family. He was jealous of their efforts. His only goal in life was to steal, kill and destroy. He came up with a plan to try to stop this family from their purpose. The thief stole their youngest son. He was sure that this would derail them. Destroy them even. Little did the thief know, this family was stronger than he could imagine. This family was created by the God of the universe for their purpose. Their work will be completed. All this thief did was wake a sleeping giant. Although this family is hurting…bad… they will get through the hurt. They would grow their strengths, refine their mission, and multiply their efforts. What the thief meant to be used for evil, will be turned on him and expanded for good. This family was confused, hurting and even a bit angry with God, but they were PISSED AT THE THIEF. They made it their new purpose to take every opportunity to foil the thief’s plans and attempts at destruction for other people around the world. This family will not only “get through the hurt,” they will grow and thrive through the pain. And that’s what they did.

We love you and feel your prayers. We know a lot of you are hurting and broken as well. Understand the mission. Join us in it. Let’s honor Finn by changing the world. Every day, find an opportunity to make a difference. Doesn’t have to be a big life-changing moment. Just pick up trash, compliment a stranger. Do it all 100% Do it all as unto the Lord.

To Finn: We love you. You are always with us. You’re the man and my lil buddy.

To the Thief: Suck it. We’re coming.

“Finn’s Army” is about two things, remembering how awesome Finn was and reminding ourselves every day to be on thw lookout for opportunities to “SEE” other people. To see their needs, their hurts, their struggles as well as their success! Once we get to a spot to see others, the next step is to do something about it. Bob Goff wrote one of my favorite books. Love Does. An army doesn’t mean much if it’s not active. Thanks for being an army for us. Lets all go be am army for others. Our amazing soldiers protect our country regardless of what they think about the people they’re protecting. Friends or not. Like minded or not! Get out and serve everyone!

As Finn’s bday comes on the 17th, I wanted to send out a little request. When we lost Finn and our family was hurting; physically, mentally and even spiritually, we wouldn’t have made it (and still would be struggling) without the army of people we had around us. You amazing people prayed for us, cleaned for us, hugged us, listened to us and did so much to help us survive. That is what led to “Finn’s Army”.

Every day there are people in our path that are hurting. It may not be the loss of a son but somehow, someway they need some support. We had an army around us and a lot of people don’t. Be aware. See people. When you feel compelled to help someone, DO IT! Find an opportunity to be someone’s army.

One year today since Finn went to Heaven. One year. God has shown me a lot in the year. I had some awesome things to say today. Some nuggets to share… they’ll have to be later. After all the messages, the dinners, the calls, the prayers; all that’s been on our mind is how to say thank you? There is an insane amount of people that have stayed faithful to us. Not just right away, not just once but for a year. It truly shakes us to see how amazing you are.

I explained it like this: when your phone is connected to blue tooth in your vehicle, you’re driving and jamming to some music… loving life. The heater is blasting. You’re comfortable and things are great. You get a call and it mutes everything. The music still plays. The fan still blows. But everything is muted significantly. That’s how it feels going through life after loss. MUTED. Finn dying was the phone call that muted our lives.

All of your consistency has snapped us out of that mute. It’s helped us live a year of a mostly full life. We’ve had so much joy and so many amazing things that have happened this year (along with a lot of hurt) but still, this year in no way is defined by grief and sorrow.

Thank you for being consistent and persistent. I still find it hard to engage sometimes and can’t express enough how appreciative I am to those that force me into battling through “the mute”.

This last 525,600 minutes can truly only be summed up like the song says. By love. Thank you to all of you. You really are amazing!