Sometimes death is really difficult to handle. For myself I have grown accustom to it. It seems that after several months a new accident happens and someone is taken away from this earth. It is painful and it hurts. Your heart feels tugged and ripped apart. You cling to those memories and rejoice for the years you had together. You wish to wake up from this dream but it never happens. As the days and months go alone the sting begins to soften and healing arises. Its a beautiful process and often encourages you to live each day to the fullest. To love hard and to care for those who impact your life the most. Once you realize that life here is a precious gift you can live it purposefully. You can start living for more things than yourself.
I want to share with you a story and a testament of a man that has lived this out in his 23 years. Phillip Lutzenkirchen, “Phil” or as most know him, “lutz”. I had the pleasure and honor of working on a special project with this man. A true friend and a blessing to all. Lutz was more than a football player. He was a son, a brother, a coach, and a role model. He was a powerful influence on all that he met. Lutz worked with many people and lived his life to the fullest. He was honoring to people both on the field and off the field. He spent much of his time working with children with cancer. He understood the gift of life. He understood living it with purpose. So he did just that, and he helped others do the same. Lutz reached out to one friend in particular, Evan Thomason. Evan was faced with cancer at a young age. Evan was one of the most brilliant and vibrant young men I have ever met. Evan had a smile so bright that he pierced the hearts of anyone he met. One of those people was Lutz. His love was addicting and pure. Lutz enjoyed every minute they spent together and constantly went out of his way to spend time with Evan. Lutz realized that doing something with his strength was way more powerful off the field than on the field. He reached out to Evan and treated him like royalty. He brought Evan the most amazing experiences while he was on earth. The last few months and the last few days Lutz was there supporting and truly believing in him. Lutz was Evans hero and a true role model for all who knew him. After Evan left this earth and was united with Jesus Lutz didn’t stop. He reached out to Evan’s brother and family. He spoke life into them and continued to pour into them.
I tell you this story because I had the honor of being apart of it. I got to see Lutz’s heart and love so powerfully and I got to see Evan’s life changed by it. I am so honored to see Gods love work in such a powerful way. Lutz always had a special place in my heart because of it. About a week ago God called for his son to come home. Lutz spent his 23 years in a powerful way. He didn’t waste one second. He loved hard and cared for those who impacted him the most. He lived a life worth dying for.
Although it is hard to lose a friend it is beautiful to see a powerful soul go home to be with the Lord. I ask that you examine your life. To look and see what you are living for. What is your legacy? What do you stand for? How do you impact those around you? Are your actions reflecting the most high? Does your life have purpose and meaning?
These are questions I must constantly ask myself. Am I living for myself or for Gods glory? What is his plan for my life and am I walking in that boldness?
Don’t be afraid of the plans he has for you. Your life is powerful and was made for a big purpose. Walk in that honor today.
(Pictures are taken by others)
