I spoke at a funeral yesterday in memory of Donny Foster...a 20 year old college student at the University of Florida who hung himself in his room just one night before taking his girlfriend to a local concert and just 21 days before Christmas with his family in Miami. No one really knows why he did this...he seemed to be a happy kid and who apparently had more than his share of friends...based upon the turn out at his funeral. I was extremely moved by the gathering.
Here are some things I observed through this experience and I would like to share them with you. First, I was amazed at the amazingly deep love Donny's friends had for him. He certainly had an incredible impact on them. I hope my life has that kind of impact on others around me. Second, I was encouraged by the hopefulness of his family in the midst of such a tragic death. His parents and sister were very optimistic about his eternity and current presence with Jesus. Third, I was burdened heavily with the spiritual emptiness I saw in the people at the funeral. Death is a strange thing...it brings out the true essence of our soul. You can see in an instant the spiritual side of a human being and know what they believe. I saw people, especially young people, who were scared...but too proud to admit it. I would love the chance to impart hope to more people. Hope that gives us the courage to face death at any moment. Hope that allows us the freedom to let go of that which doesn't last. Hope that builds our faith upon a foundation of eternal living.
Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to be apart of this deeply spiritual experience. I was honored to be the messenger on behalf of the family. I pray that the seeds of hope and truth will take root in the souls of those that listened.
