Today I am grieving.

There was this guy in high school. The quarterback. At a popularity level I wouldn't ever attain, but he took time for me. I have many memories on his back porch. Cruising town in his black sports car. Always a friend. He left for college and we lost touch for many years. During that time he fought many demons that led him to rock bottom. He started to climb back up. And fell madly in love with Jesus. Seven years ago or so I sent him an email. Thanking him for being a positive light for me in high school. And we opened back up our lines of communication. We discovered the small world - that he knew matt and had played ball with him many years. He was in Florida and wouldn't be able to make it to our 10 year reunion but we spoke often on the phone. Ryan had such urgency in our conversations. That I was raising my children to know Jesus. He wanted to make sure that I was doing things the right way from the beginning with them. I remember one conversation where I hung up feeling convicted that I wasn't loving my Savior as passionately and as consumed as he was. A year or so later Matt and Ryan played ball in the Asheville men's league.  And last year we were so honored to be able to stand beside him as he married his true love Amanda. We kept having talks of getting together but with our busy schedules things didn't line up. Oh how I wish they had. This week Ryan went to be with Jesus. I know he was met with the words "well done my good and faithful servant". His testimony is one of grace and forgiveness. And he reached so many people. It's evident in the tributes on his Facebook wall. 

So I would like you to pray with me for Amanda. For his mom and dad. For his sister Keela. For all the seeds that Ryan planted to grow and that God will be glorified through his passing. 

I mourn for his family. And am thankful for the blessing that Ryan was in our life. But Ryan would say to keep my chin up. He has won the race. He finished. Do not waste a minute of this life. Cherish your family, and spread the gospel that changes lives. Because Ryan life was changed by the Father whose presence he is in now.