About
In this powerful episode of the Higher Ground Podcast, Billy Hallowell interviews former Secret Service agent Darin Kinder, a 9/11 survivor who was inside the World Trade Center during the attacks. Kinder shares his harrowing firsthand account of chaos, miraculous survival, and heroism, recounting how he heard God’s voice guiding him to safety and later returned to the “battlefield” to fight fires and save lives. His new memoir, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit, explores the intersection of faith, courage, and purpose born from one of America’s darkest days.
Key Takeaways
- Instinct, training, and faith told Kinder immediately that the first plane strike was no accident, a realization confirmed when the second plane hit.
- During the South Tower collapse, Kinder heard what he believes was the Holy Spirit say “run,” leading him away from deadly cover that was later obliterated.
- Proverbs 16:9 took on literal meaning as God directed his steps, sparing his life while 3,000 others perished.
- Despite witnessing death and destruction, Kinder repeatedly returned to the site, joining colleagues to battle car fires and help victims, demonstrating that perfect love casts out fear.
- The experience gave him a profound sense of mission and purpose, leading him to retire from the Secret Service and found Fierce Faith to inspire resilience, grit, and bold faith in both corporate and spiritual settings.
- Evil is real and must be confronted; Christians are called to bring light into darkness rather than stand on the sidelines.
- The book’s central message is that every person was created for a specific time and purpose — to “get their suit dirty” by courageously entering their own arena for God and others.
Highlights
- “I knew it wasn’t an accident… when the second plane hit, it was game on. It was time to answer the bell.”
- “My first thought was I’m dead. My second thought… was run.”
- “Had I been under that fire truck? Dead. Easy.”
- “I should have died yesterday at least twice… You must have a mission for me. I’m a good soldier. What are my marching orders?”
- “Courage is a choice… some people entered into the fight.”
- “Lord, when you take me out of this world… bury me in a dirty suit.”