Even in the most terrible and desperate of situations, the human spirit often times will surprise you. A 10 year-old girl named Hailey Owens was kidnapped and murdered in Springfield, Missouri. When she was taken, a neighbor tried to follow the kidnapper after calling the police but the murderer escaped. Police found the terrible person responsible for this crime three hours later, but it was already too late to save little Hayley. Her death has been mourned by the entire community, so when the Westboro Baptist Church wanted to picket her wake, they received a response that nobody ever expected.
The town gathering for Hayley.
Hayley’s life was stolen from her by a twisted, vicious man. Westboro planned to use her death for their own agenda.
Nearly 10,000 people from all over gathered together to support Hayley and her family.
The town prayed for Hayley during a candlelight vigil, showing Hayley and her family respect and love during a time they needed it most.
It is rumored that Westboro attempted to picket her wake because they blamed her death on Mizzou allowing gay athletes to play.
When it came down to it, the people with messages of love greatly outnumbered those evil people trying to picket her wake.
What happened to Hailey is a tragedy and no one should use such a crime for their own protests.
What this town did was amazing!
What the Westboro Baptist Church attempted to do was sick, but what the beautiful community of Springfield did was so loving.
There are some very evil people in this world whose main goal in life is to do nothing but spread hate and pain. However, it’s inspiring to say the least to see the genuine love and kindness of strangers that still exist strongly in the face of evil. At the vigil, a singer performed “Amazing Grace.” Mayor Seifried called for a moment of silence in memory of Hailey Owens and then concluded the event with a reading from the Bible.