One week ago today, while snailing along Interstate 4, my husband called to inform me that the Polk County Sheriff deputy that we heard was killed earlier that morning was the grandson of a dear friend who had recently retired from working with Tim for 22 years. Tears streamed down my face. My heart sank. Heartache and prayers began.
Later in the day, I spoke with our friend, Debbie, and I didn’t have words. What do you even say at a time like this? I had looked at photos and videos posted of Blane and his little girl dancing, and Blane with his sweet momma dancing on Mother’s Day in the pool. Debbie and I talked about those memories, and she tearfully said, “He loved his little girl so much.”
Just hours before Blane was shot, he had stopped by his grandparents’ home. He had walked in around ten o’clock at night and wanted a cup of coffee. Debbie made him a cup and they briefly chatted before returning to work. As he was walking out the door, he turned back, walked over to Debbie and Darryl, and gave them a hug with an “I love you”. That was the last time they would see or hear their grandson. It was less than four hours later when Jesus hugged Blane and said “I love you” to him face to face. He is now dancing with His heavenly Daddy.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
Today, surrounded by friends, family, the governor of Florida, government officials, and hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over the state, the room was speechless and subdued. A video of one’s life played before us. Giggles would be heard, and we all witnessed someone on screen who used to be full of life, and making others laugh with his wit and dance moves. Sniffles would often follow as I’m sure many of us would ponder the “whys”, the “what ifs”, and have empathy for the family who we love who lost their loved one.
Blane Lee Lane was the one who was once full of life, laughter, and dance moves.
Blane’s service started out with the song by The Bowling Family called “The People God Gives You” Oh my! The first verse of this song was applicable for this remembrance. Tears began to fall, even more than they already were, and I couldn’t help but think of the bible verse, You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8
I got the call this morning,
I can’t believe he’s gone.
Thought he’d be here forever,
But one more time, time proved me wrong.
It was just a week ago,
Thought I should call and say hello.
Now I’m reminded once again,
Life’s a vapor in the wind.
Chorus:
Love the people that God gives you.
They’re a gift that heaven sent.
Live and laugh and make some memories.
Treasure every moment spent.
Cause none of us are here forever.
That’s a proven fact.
Love the people that God gives you.
Because one day He’ll want them back.
As I sat there and listened to this beautiful song, prayers were lifted up for the family and thankfulness to the Lord for catching every tear that fell in that room.
What an inspiration of perseverance and dedication Blane Lee Lane was to us all. Stories were shared several times throughout the service how Blane knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a deputy. Not just a deputy, but a Polk County Sheriff officer. Beyond that, he had aspirations of being, not just the Sheriff, but “the next Grady Judd”.
Blane had his photo taken with Sheriff Grady Judd when he was in elementary school. As a kid, he would constantly play cops and robbers with his sister and cousins, and Blane was always the cop. Once when he handcuffed his cousin while playing, his cousin informed Blane that the handcuffs hurt. Blane responded in a matter-of-fact manner, “Well, you’re the bad guy.”
We can take a God-moment lesson from this childhood scene…When we are cuffed/trapped/chained to sin in our life, well…we shouldn’t have been the “bad guy” Friend, God can set you free and remove those cuffs/chains.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
In high school, Blane would ask the school resource officer numerous questions about being a deputy. When Sheriff Grady Judd spoke, he shared an interaction between Blane and the SRO. Blane questioned the officer, “Have you ever been in a shooting, and were you scared?”
The officer’s response was, “Do you believe in God?”
Blane replied, “Absolutely!”
The Officer told Blane, “We know the dangers of this job going in. The Apostle Paul said, ‘to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of God.’ We can’t add a minute to our lives by worrying. I know where my soul is going. I don’t see death.”
Later in life, in his position as a Polk County Deputy, Blane was often heard sharing scripture with others like his high school officer once shared with him.
So I say that we have confidence. And we really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
To know God’s word and have it planted in your heart is important. To know where you’re going when your time on earth is through is vitally important. Blane knew.
I feel quite certain that Blane would want to ask you now, “Do you believe in God?” Can you answer with the certainty that he did? I challenge you to not just know of God, but to truly know Him and have a relationship with Him. If you do, you will see Blane again one day.
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3
How many people do you know who actually have said, or wrote in their elementary “What do you want to be when you grow up” journal, and have succeeded? I bet not many, but Blane sure did. His determination paid off.
During the service, Sheriff Grady Judd gave a plaque to the family stating that Blane is now an honorary Sheriff for all eternity. Blane’s dream of becoming a Sheriff did come true.
You will read articles that talk about the life of Blane Lee Lane, but it is my desire for you to know about the life that Blane has now, and where he hopes you will be one day.
Blane will be missed here on earth greatly by many. Yet, for those who know Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior, they will see Blane again.
Blane’s pastor, from The Together Church, shared the gospel and had us all bow our heads and close our eyes. Pastor Justin Stewart asked for hands to be raised of anyone who had made the decision that day to become a Christ follower. As all eyes were closed, you could hear Pastor Justin recognizing hands that were raised. Hallelujah!
Yes, we ask those “why” questions when bad things happen. Emotions are all over the board. Yet, there is some comfort and gratitude that because of Blane’s earthly death, others gained an eternal life with Christ.
Knowing Blane’s grandparents, his momma, and their love for Jesus Christ, the greatest way you could honor the life of Blane is to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Your decision would bring much peace and strength to the family.
When the call went out during the outside portion of the service for “9228, 9228, 9228”, God was catching more tears. The call continued, “Be advised that 9228, Deputy Sheriff Blane Lee Lane, an honored and loved member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, died in the line of duty on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. He is now 10-87 for the final time and will be forever remembered.” It was at that time the God made an announcement and said, “Welcome home, Blane ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:21)
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
For those men and women who protect and serve our country, cities, and neighborhoods daily, THANK YOU. Thank you for rising up each day to put your life on the line for others. You are true heroes.
Prayers continue for Blane’s family and for all those who protect and serve.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
