broken

My heart is broken.

Two families I have come to know and love through MCA and coaching Cross Country are going through a tragedy right now that I am having a hard time processing.

Early this morning I was awakened by a phone call telling me that 2 of my Cross Country runners died in a car accident.  One I knew well, a senior named Bob Henson, whom I've coached since he was in 7th grade. The other, only 14, was Bryce Carrigan.

I have survived today on God's Word that He so sweetly spoke to me through out this painful day, where I got to surround myself with friends who are going through this together...
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit."  -Psalm 34:18

Both of these boys were a blessing and a joy to be around.  I don't say that lightly.

I am having a hard time finding the words to honor these young men in a way I feel they deserve.  The following is an exerpt from a tribute written by Micah Raies, one of my former runners who was a senior last year:

 "Bob (pictured left)...had a strong passion for the sport of cross country; his love of learning, his love for others, and his burning desire for others to know the Gospel of Christ was contagious.  These attributes defined, and made up who Bob Henson was... even though his book smarts were off the charts, his knowledge of the Bible was what was even more impressive.  Every morning we would try to read a passage out of Proverbs, and every morning Bob's insight was extremely refreshing and lifting.  Bob truly was a man after God's own heart.


    Bryce (pictured at right with older brother Kade, and younger sister Leslie, who is Annalee's classmate) was also a true friend.  Being a few years younger than me we didn't get to know each other very well.  But from what I did know of Bryce, and from our past cross country season, is his heart was filled with a vibrant joy that he brought to each and every situation. Bryce's smile could light up any dark room.  His love for the Lord overflowed in the way he would treat others, and lead by example even though he was one of the youngest on the team.

I got to know both of these young men during their time on the MCA cross country team.  These guys understood that a great runner is not defined by what place he gets in a race, or what record breaking time he manages to range in.  No... They both understood that a great runner is defined by how he runs... to finish the race.  They lived out the mentality that Paul reminds us of in 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."  The prize that Bob and Bryce ran for was not one made of metal, their prize was not running on varsity, or leaving everyone else behind.  Their prize was glorifying God in both cross country, and in Life.  I know for a fact that as I type this that Bob and Bryce are now gazing upon the glory of the Lord, as He welcomes them into His presence saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant.""

Please pray for my dear friends, the Carrigans (Amanda and Danny, and their oldest son Kade and daughter Leslie, who is in Annalee's class) and the Hensons (mother Molly and brothers Sam, Jonathan, Isaac, Zack, and sister Rael).  They are living a parents' worst nightmare right now.

As for me, I am comforted by my Lord and His promises, that He will never leave or forsake us, and that His perfect peace surpasses understanding.

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me, Your comfort brought me joy." - Psalm 94:18-19 
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.  I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Psalm 63: 7,8

So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Isaiah 41:10

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4