Riley was quiet. In fact, he was probably the quietest boy I'd encountered as a 5th grader (when we first met). Yet, it in no way kept him from doing what he did so well. And that was provide platonic support by sticking by his friends (his select few which I was privileged to be apart of) like glue.
In fact, I think Riley was the first boy I ever met who exemplified the inner workings of a textbook introvert.
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What serves as a standout memory to me regarding Riley is when he walked with me to the front of the auditorium during my decision to make a profession of faith as a new believer in Christ. We were together in Mount Lebanon, TX at a sizable youth camp, and one evening during the altar call (I believe it was a Thursday night), I was lassoed in by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was the summer prior to our 7th grade year, and the majority of the First Baptist Church youth group was there.
I didn't even realize Riley was shadowing me 'till I made it to the front of the sizable space and into the arms of our youth pastor. But it was then I felt his presence. And it was so comforting to have him there with me, speaking not a word. He didn't have to. It wasn't necessary.
Of note is Riley and his brother were both athletic. I was not. Therefore, there was always this sense (for me) that he had possibly picked the wrong guy to hang with. Yet, he didn't seem to mind in the least. For whatever reason, he would always laugh at my dumb jokes. I made a point to attempt to get his countenance to light up as often as I could. He had such the infectious smile.
Nonetheless, this shadowing proved his allegiance to our friendship. And I needed that. For I was just beginning to recognize internally the depths of my own depravity. But mainly, his example explicitly modeled for me how I wanted to also be as a friend to both him and whomever the Lord brought into my sphere of influence.
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Afterwards, we never spoke of this noble gesture. There was no reminiscing or counseling offered. It was just Riley's way of doing his life relative to everyone around him. He was like Batman without the costume. He was a true white knight.
I spoke to Riley (after obtaining his cellphone # from his brother) soon after the news broke that he'd been indicted for the embezzlement charges. He was thankful for my willingness to reach out, and I could tell he was at peace with what was soon to come (punishment) in light of his own salvation.
I remember sharing the story I shared above with his brother, Matt, whilst attempting to obtain a means of direct communication to Riley immediately following the breaking news. Matt replied by stating it sounded just like something Riley would do.
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I think we should all engage in the ministry of shadowing. Just as Riley demonstrated to me. This notion of walking next to another man, even during the most harrowing of events. Based on my experience, it is a rare thing to find men who'll actually do this. Talk is cheap, and circumstances too often lend themselves to cutting a friend loose way in advance of any real need. I'm forever grateful to Riley Brown for demonstrating to me what true faithfulness looks like.
In closing, I have no doubt that those inmates he's now surrounded by are all the more blessed having him there with them. White knights are rare indeed.
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