Four years ago today, I lost one of my best friends. It rocked my world and sent me on a journey to lean on God in a way I never had before. A lot has happened in those 4 years both in my life and the world. My world has been rocked more times and I'm learning that I am not in control of the adventure of life God has me on. The world, and our country specifically, has been rocked by continual violence and many more innocent lives taken.
Boken was shot and killed by a man as she would not give up her cell phone he was trying to steal. A story that seems all too common these days where gun violence is taking innocent lives. Reading and hearing about all of these stories takes me back to Boken. The most loved girl on our volleyball team, a friend to everyone, always wearing a huge smile, and an impeccable laugh that could fill a room. Oh what I would do to hear her laugh and have a hug one last time. She was a person with a bright future who had touched so many lives, lighting up a room and making sure no one was left out. I'm sure so are the many other people that have lost their lives.
In this life, we all need Jesus. After being in Africa and getting to experience a different culture, I'm learning even more how we are all the same. Yes, we have different cultural customs, we have different likes and dislikes, and even different colored hair. But God made us that way, each individual and unique. Underneath it all, we are all still a precious Child of His {1 John 3:1}. That alone should bond us together. Every person was created by Him {Ephesians 2:10}. We are called to love one another {John 13:34}.
Yes, we live in a broken world. There is sin all around and daily I need Jesus to cover my own sins {Romans 5:8}. But we are called to love and not hate, as His Children {Ephesians 4:2}. We have hope knowing that one day this world will be restored and we will live in a place where there is no sin, only love. One can only sit and imagine what a world like that will be. One day we will know, as we sit in Heaven celebrating. Until then, let's try to love one another as what we truly are, a creation knit together by God Himself {Psalm 139:13}. Outside appearances, occupations, and nationalities don't matter. What matters is that we are His Children.
Today, I'm saddened that a dear friend lost her life too soon and it's been 4 years since we've gotten to talk. But I'm praising God for the 3 years I got to know Boken. Reminiscing on all of our stories, adventures, and laughs...who packed the chocolates, watching the bachelor, downing a whole tub of hummus on our lonely Sundays, lucky penny's, and casually grabbing an extra bag of chips from JJ's are some faves. Wishing that it could have been longer, but knowing that God continues to use her impact even today. And hoping for a world that shows love to one another, waiting for a day where that is restored when Jesus returns.
No comments:
Post a Comment