In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes former U.S. Secret Service agent and 9/11 survivor Darin Kinder, who was stationed at 7 World Trade Center that day. Darin describes evacuating the complex, rendering first aid, helping people inside the North Tower, and narrowly surviving both tower collapses. He explains why he stayed silent for ten years, how mentors encouraged him to finally share his story, and how speaking and writing his book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit, brought healing and a renewed mission to minister to men. Darin unpacks lessons from 9/11 on perseverance ("do the next thing"), being equipped, and finding "your guys" for strength and effectiveness, along with biblical courage grounded in God's presence and love and the difference between civilians and citizens, including the story of the 9/11 boatlift. He also shares the lasting impact on his wife after their brief phone call just before the collapse. Topics(0:00) Introduction (0:44) Meet Darin Kinder (3:17) Secret Service in NYC (4:09) Morning of 9/11 (5:08) From agent to responder (6:38) Writing for healing (8:51) “Do the next thing” motto (15:30) Untold 9/11 details (25:28) Biblical courage defined (30:12) Civilian versus citizen (33:59) Citizens of heaven (39:36) Marking 25 years (40:58) Finding purpose after (43:40) Bury Me Dirty Suit book (47:45) Where to connect (48:30) Conclusion ResourcesDarin Kinder’s websiteBury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Darin KinderDarin Kinder is a former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, where he spent 25 years protecting five US Presidents, other world leaders, and navigating high-stakes environments in 43 different countries. On September 11, 2001, he was on the ground in New York City when the World Trade Center was attacked, an experience that earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor and forever shaped his faith and perspective on living with purpose. Darin delivers an unforgettable message forged in crisis, rooted in faith, and made relevant for churches and organizations today. Leaving behind a career tested at the highest levels of government protection, Darin has entered a new chapter as a sought-after keynote speaker. Darin is the author of the hard-hitting book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11. It’s a compelling memoir that explores what it means to lead with courage, live as citizens of heaven, and step into the mess when it matters most to fulfill your God-given purpose. Darin is a devoted husband and father to four sons and founder of Fierce Faith, an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation with unwavering faith and teaching them to live with Valiant Purpose. Darin is a graduate of James Madison University and a former high school history teacher and coach. He loves the mountains, baseball, and any adventure that requires fortitude and grit. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries. Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
