Early Sunday morning I heard the news that a friend of mine going all the way back to the 3rd grade. Its always tough losing someone, especially someone young, healthy, and full of life. The news hit me hard, and the fact that Launch is only days away(or was when I started this) didn't help at all. With so much left to do I think for the first time I thought I wasn't ready. I didn't have the proper time to grieve, the service is scheduled to be the day before I am to get on a plane and leave this country. There is no doubt that will be on my mind when I am reuniting with my squad, casting vision for the next 11 months, and praying for God to use our squad to glorify him. Over the next few days I watched on Facebook as message after message poured onto Michael's page. I thought I would share some of those here:
I remember every time I would see you at work, I would ask "how are you today Michael"?, and you would respond with "I am alive and I am well, every day is a blessing"! You lived each day to the fullest without regret. You were an amazing example to everyone you knew. We are all shocked and devastated, but if there was anyone I knew who was ready to meet our Lord. It was you.
Even though I had just met you, you were so proud of me when you found out I had just gone back to school after being out for 4 years. You inspire me with your profound kindness, continuous smile, unwavering perseverance, and unshakable belief in God.
I realize that I wasn't close with Michael or anything, but I knew about him and knew exactly what he stood for and how he treated people. That guy was honestly the most positive, friendly person I have ever met. He never met a stranger a day in his life and he made an impact daily on people. We were teammates in high school while playing football, and I'm ashamed that I didn't know him better. Why wouldn't you want to surround yourself with a person of Michael's character and love? The world just lost a great man in Michael, but I'm hoping that we can try to help remember his spirit and take a lesson from him (myself included) by treating people and our lives the way he did, with love and joy.
He was an extremely hard worker, and he always had contagious energy. He helped me to believe in myself, and the way he lived his life helped me to believe that I am the only person who limits myself. I am sure I am not the only person who has been inspired by his life. Thank you Michael for your gifts of encouragement! Prayers to his family and close friends. Thank you, God, for Michaels life.
Your passion was contagious, joy unmeasurable, and spirit without limits. You ran the race of life fully and steadfast. We can all attest to how great of a man you were and how much better we are for having known you. RIP Michael, you were and will always be loved.
That last one really gets me. "You ran the race of life fully and steadfast." Extremely powerful as I guess I can say that I am officially on the World Race and the whole concept of a race has been in my mind quite a bit lately. When I first heard the news my initial thoughts were, too soon, he had so much potential and vision. He never got to get married, or have kids, or see the fruit of his labor for his hard work. Aren't these stages important marks for the race of life?
Not with God. Never with God.
Something I read awhile back said that what really matters is when you get to the finish line you will meet the Father face-to-face. What will he say to you? Do you want him to say you that while He loves you unconditionally and you accepted his free gift for salvation, you never stepped out in faith to live a life above reproach to show others the Way, others He died for.
Or do you want him to say:
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You are known here as a Kingdom warrior, denying self and worldly gain in order to break through the ranks of enemy combatants. I have a place reserved for you right over here. Won’t you come and dine with Me? By the way, Paul and Moses would like to meet you; your stories of faith and reliance on Me to accomplish My will on earth are remarkably similar. I love you."
I can't help but smiling knowing that is the kind of response Michael will get from our Father. Hearing those words in the very presence of God is the ultimate prize for the race we run.
And so as one race ends, mine begins.
I've had my fair share of time where I've just coasted through life, doing nothing to advance the Kingdom; happy enough to have my get out of Hell free card. No more. Michael showed me the value of hard work, positivity, and being a warrior for Christ.
It is time to run my race.
It is time to take responsibility for my freedom in Christ, and live the Hell out of it.
