Cloaked In White - Honoring Courtney Wilkes

Courtney was a bright, vivacious, joyful teenager. A compassionate soul, her peers describe her as "someone you could always go to about anything, because you knew she would care." Almost sixteen, Courtney was at the top of her class academically, as well as, to put in the words of her classmates, "the top of our hearts." A young athlete, Courtney was a member of her high school soccer team. She was the eldest of three children to Cordy and Toni Wilkes.

Most important to Courtney, was to constantly share the love of her Heavenly Father to others -- which she was successful at doing, as evidenced by the high regard her peers hold for her.

For more on Courtney, please read this article: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/courtney-41147-wilkes-school.html

Courtney and her family vacationed at Seagrove Beach in Florida June 2011. A young man befriended them - telling them about his job at their resort, about his teen life, and earning their trust as he spent time with the entire family throughout the week.

Last Thursday, he invited Courtney to walk the beach with him. It was the middle of the day, the beach was well trafficked, and he had earned the trust of the family. Four hours later, Courtney's parents saw him, but not Courtney. He said he left Courtney walking on the beach.

He had left Courtney -- but not walking on the beach. He had assaulted her and beaten her to death. Soon, Courtney's family learned that the man's story was a fabrication - he was not employed at the resort, he was 21, and had just been kicked out of his house.

Words cannot wrap around the raw emotion of anyone hearing this story -- much less those who knew her or her family. I knew her grandparents and uncle, and was familiar with the family. I did not know Courtney personally. Words seem trite. Her classmates are in shock and confusion. A community that is steeped in faith of Jesus Christ and a loving Father has asked tough questions.

Sometimes there are no "right" answers -- only "right" direction -- to run into the arms of a loving Heavenly Father. And to run in the path of unconditional love. The community is showing its love and support to the Wilkes family by placing white bows on storefronts, mailboxes, front doors, car antenna. Today, the first day of summer, a group is meeting at the Pal Theatre, downtown Vidalia, to distribute white bows and balloons, as well as signs -- to blanket the community in white... a symbol of purity... for pure love, fervent prayer, and support. I, a few hundred miles southwest of my hometown, am doing the same.

Somehow this outpouring of love will help heal the family -- strengthening them. I am asking you to do the same -- put a white bow or balloon on your storefront, door, mailbox in honor of life and to show your support. Not knowing someone does not make our hearts immune to the sorrow of Courtney's death. Supporting her loved ones will, I believe, strengthen community and help bear this unimaginable burden.

This gesture is symbolic that we, as Americans, as human beings, love LIFE. We mourn loss of Life. We grieve when others hurt. Join us! Post pictures of your white bow or balloon, or leave a comment on Courtney's memory page on Facebook {original support page has since been removed - go to facebook and search "In memory of Courtney Ann Wilkes"} nd leave a message of your commitment. I spoke with the Director of the Children's Advocacy Group in the Seagrove Beach community -- they are participating as well. (Thank you, Julie, for getting your PR staff on this!) Post this hub to your Facebook and encourage your friends, family and acquaintances to join our effort to pour love through a symbolic gesture.

Love bears all things... Courtney's family, friends and community need a lot of love.