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View on A Tragedy
Now that a week has passed since that bus accident, I've learned so much from the inspirational stories of my friends that lived it. And I learned something about my relationship with the Lord. No matter how desperate everything around you seems, prayer is always a viable and productive option. Let me explain.
Last Wednesday morning, my mom came into my bedroom and told me that there was a bad bus crash that involved Bethel kids. The first thing that came into my mind, "I wonder if I know anyone on that bus?" I uttered a quick prayer, then dismissed the incident, sure that nothing like this could happen to *my* friends. Later, as I was eating lunch and watching the news, I saw how bad the accident was and I heard that three people died. By this time I was frantically searching the internet for injury reports... the news was not good. Sarah, Katie, Jennifer, Heather, Will... all were hospitalized. Other people that Sarah constantly talked about... they were doing badly too. I took a long shower, and not all of the water that fell came out of the spout.
My church had a youth service planned for that night, but when I went, I couldn't hold back the tears. I burst apart, and my family in Christ really supported me. A lot of us knew them, and we were very upset, so we changed it to a prayer service for our friends. I cried and cried... if there was a bucket underneath me, I could've helped stop a water shortage. I felt so... helpless. I wanted to go to Colorado, take the place of those girls, do something, ANYTHING! At the end of the prayer service, Cindy started singing... and I realized that there's a plan. God has a plan for this, I'm not sure what it is, but I've got to accept this.
After our small church prayer meeting, all the SBS people went to a large meeting at Sarah's house. I met the Bethel folks who stayed home, more SBS people, and we spent hours praying... singing... talking... sharing God's word. It really helped me cope. God placed these people in a time in my life where I'd reached a slump spiritually... not questioning my beliefs, but I wasn't feeling as close to Him as I wanted to. Suddenly, He revealed Himself in such a powerful way. I was reminded of His role as a compassionate Deity who loves me so much, He sacrificed *Himself* for me. Why would I want anything else? This is all I need in the world.
Sarah Beck is one of those people that God puts in your life to illustrate this point. She's the most amazing, positive person I know... The past three years, I've grown to know her very well because she's been the plays with me, drill team, and my drama class... I trust her totally and I love her so much. I heard that when she was thrown out of the bus, she was crying "Daddy!"... and she wasn't calling for her earthly father. When I told her about my baptism, Sarah screamed with delight and told me about the two marriages of a Christian. The first one is the baptistm, your marriage to Christ. The second is your marriage to your mate. Both of these commitments are important and everlasting. I almost started crying when she told me that. This is the kind of relationship I strive for in my walk with God.
Jennifer Kight... She's my Little Big Sis. She was on the drill team and in the plays with me too. Jen is just so cute! She's a drama gal who has an amazing voice and dancing talent, but a great love for God. She was in a production of Grease earlier this year and I heard her talk about this girl who shared her love for Christ with her... I can see Jen doing this with others. She's totally reliant on God.
Katie... I don't know Katie as well as Jen or Sarah, but I love her just as much. Last year, I went to an extracurricular activity for French class, and we bonded immediately. I saw in her a sweet soul, shy, but strong in beliefs. The other day I had the opportunity to talk with Katie for a couple of hours before we went to yet another French Club event. She talked about her ambitions for college, her life, her walk with God, and I realized how awesome she really is. We were going to go to France in March, but I'm not sure if her health will permit her. Katie, I'm praying for you, dear.
For all the others, I don't know them as well, so unfortunately I can't share my favorite memories of them. But I love them still... and they will be in my prayers. There is a plan for everything and everyone.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
I love you, Sarah, Jennifer, Katie, Heather, and Will!
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