Cherish Life - In Memory of Corporal Gary Edwards

On the way to church yesterday morning, I clearly recall that I was quite concerned over the fact that I had forgotten to apply mascara and did not bring a comfortable pair of shoes for shopping later in the afternoon.  In addition, we were running a little late, which compounded the problem.  As we slid into the pew just as the service was beginning, I took a deep breath, trying not to worry about these minor details that had seemingly grown to major league proportions.  All of the sudden, all of these minor details vanished, overwrought by unexpected news that jolted me to the core.

As the service began, a dear friend delivered news that Corporal Gary Edwards, the School Resource Officer at the school where I teach, had passed away Sunday morning from injuries sustained in an accident.  The Ford Ranger he was driving was struck by a drunk driver.  The impact caused his vehicle to veer into a utility pole.  He was taken off of life support late Sunday morning.  As I sat there listening to the words my friend spoke, I was stunned.  That morning, I had been awakened by an unpleasant dream.  Now, I felt as if I was living a nightmare.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to hear news like this.  Only a few moments before, my major concern was whether or not I was wearing mascara.  Soon, I realized that mascara would have only made black streaks on my cheeks, due to the tears that welled up in my eyes.

My heart crumbled with every single word.  I sat there in disbelief as I tried to process the information I had just been given.  This Christian man, who loved the Lord with all of his heart and also loved his family more than anything, was taken from this world in an instant.  There was no indication that this would be his last day on earth.  He had lived on this earth for 43 years, always smiling, always lending a hand, always abiding by the commandment to love one another.  He leaves behind a loving wife and two precious daughters.  I can’t help but wonder…  Of all the people in the world, how could this happen to someone who was so loving, so supportive, and so genuine?  Why did this have to happen at all?

In life, there are no guarantees.  We may be here one day, and then we may be gone the next.  One simple action can be the difference between life and death.  The driver of the other car could have been the one killed in Gary’s place.  But instead, the driver was taken to jail unscathed.  No single person on earth knows why these things happen the way they do.  Still, we know that God’s word remains true, even in trying times like these.  Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) states, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  No matter what difficult times may come, there is nothing that can take away God’s love.  Not even death nor life can take us away from the unconditional love that He continually pours out to us.

Tomorrow, when you go to work or school, I encourage you to do one thing.  No matter where you are or what you are doing, treasure life itself.  Show others around you that you have the blessed hope of Christ.  Reveal to them the special love that God bestows upon us.  Officer Edwards always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a kind word on his lips.  The love of Jesus was evident in everything he did.  He was a wonderful husband to his wife Robyne, father to his daughters Tyla and Toi, and friend to everyone who knew him.  Above all, he was the prime example of a Christian who loved the Lord with all of his heart.  Although we are sad without this special individual in our lives, we can find comfort in the fact that we will see him again in Heaven, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Do not wait until it is too late.  There are no guarantees in life.  Live.  Love.  Laugh.  Live every moment to the fullest.  Love your neighbor as yourself.  Laugh and share joy with others.  Cherish life.  It is God’s gift to you.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

May Day

When I was growing up, the first day in the month of May was always one of the highlights of spring.  My Mom always helped me pick wildflowers or make May baskets to give to friends and family, in honor of May Day, as it is observed in the United States.  And of course, I always made sure to give my Mom something extra special.  It was a glorious day, brightened even more by the colorful beauty of the flowers and other goodies stowed inside each and every basket.  As I have grown older, I can no longer find time to make May baskets to place on people’s doorsteps.  While this special day will always bring to mind fond memories from my childhood, the phrase May Day truly has a double meaning for me personally.

When I think of the phrase May Day, I do not solely think of the times when my Mom and I enjoyed such happy times together.  I also think of the times in my life when I was venturing through a dark storm.  There have been times when I felt I would drown in a sea of sorrow, due to the torrential rain pouring down upon me.  You could liken my distress to the captain of a ship who has suffered a breach to the hull of their ship, striving to remain focused on getting the lifeboats launched and other emergency operations under way.  Other times, I felt like a pilot who is flying in the darkest of night, with zero visibility, unable to control the plane due to the wind, rain, and hail falling down from the heavens above.  Certainly, in a dire circumstance such as this, the pilot would immediately call out, without hesitation, “Mayday!  Mayday!  Mayday!”

While the distress signal “Mayday” is primarily used by mariners and aviators, the term would be quite appropriate for any sort of emergency.  The term Mayday comes from the French venez m'aider, meaning “come help me” (Dictionary.com).  Even though we do not have a radio on which to call for help, there is never a time that we cannot call on the name of Jesus Christ to help us.  God’s Word says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear” (Hebrews 13:6 ESV).  If you find yourself drowning in despair, call out to Him.  If you are struggling to find a reason to get out of bed in the morning, ask Him to give you strength and purpose.  If you feel like you are in a sinking ship, or if you feel that you are flying in a plane that is about to collide into the mountains ahead of you, call out to Jesus, saying, “Mayday!  Mayday!  Mayday!”  Jesus Christ will answer your request, and come to help you.

Personally, I feel a little like calling out, “Mayday,” myself right now.  One week from today, I will be delivering the special music on Mother’s Day.  Not only that, but I am singing one of my Mom’s favorite songs that I have written.  My heart strings are being pulled in every direction.  My mind is worried.  Will I be able to sing on key?  Will I cry in front of everyone?  Will I forget the words, due to my distress?  I have been calling on the name of Jesus to help me.  When I am talking to our Heavenly Father, it seems like a hand rests upon my shoulder.  I feel a sudden calm.  It’s as if Jesus is saying to me, “I heard your distress call, my child.  I’m here to help you.  I know it will be difficult for you, but you can do it.  I know you can.  And I will be standing right beside you, holding your hand, guiding you all along the way.”

Jesus Christ does not desire for any of His children to experience fear, hopelessness, or despair.  He does not want us to feel as though we are being drawn into a dark tunnel from which we will never escape.  He wants us to see the light.  Not just the light at the end of the tunnel, but the Light.  Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV).  Jesus is the Light of the entire world.  He can take away the darkness that surrounds you.  He can make the sun shine again.  With Jesus on your side, the shipwrecks and plane crashes of life will seem less treacherous.  The hurdles you are required to jump over will seem less strenuous.  And when you feel the walls are closing in around you, He will be there to help you.  Call on the precious name of Jesus.  He will take your miserable Mayday nightmare and turn it into a beautiful May Day dream.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer