Life is but a vapor. It is a fragile drop of water, sustained only by a thin thread, strung from who-knows-where. We do not understand life, nor the losing of it. As J.R.R. Tolkien once stated through his character, Gandalf the Gray, “Many times, those that live deserve death. And those that die deserve life.”
Late last night, early this morning, the world lost a great man. Not just a great man: a man completely and utterly sold-out to Jesus Christ. His face glowed with the shining light of God’s love. He could not open his mouth without proclaiming the joy of one who has lain their entire life down before the throne of God. Who he was made people love Jesus even more. His faith was unshakeable. He led in a manner unmatched by his peers.
I had the honor of being introduced to Jimmy Brazell at my very first TeenPact state class. As one my committee leaders, his cheerful, Christ-centered attitude cast a bright ray of sunshine on the week. He served as an encouragement to fumbling first-timers such as myself. He led worship with a passion I had never seen in any other person.
While I only knew him for a short time, this short time was well spent. His impact on my life will stick with me as long as I live. Because of Jimmy’s example, I love Jesus more. Because of his encouragement during my Rep campaign at my first National Convention, my comfort zone is outstepped regularly.
Jimmy was no ordinary person. He was as close to an angel as any human could ever get. He impacted literally hundreds of people in his short, but well-lived nineteen years. While I mourn the loss of a friend, I also am compelled to celebrate. Jimmy is right where he has longed to be all of his life: right in the arms of Jesus Christ. He is pain and care-free, celebrating the beginning of an eternal life with his precious Lord and Savior. He has finally heard those words his ears once constantly strained for: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Death was not the end for Jimmy. It was only the beginning. Oh how I long to be up there in Heaven, singing and celebrating in the presence of Jesus, as Jimmy now does.
I’m gonna miss you, Jimmy. We’ll be seeing you soon.
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I riseGive me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me JesusWhen I am alone
When I am alone
When I am alone, give me JesusGive me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me JesusWhen I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die, give me JesusGive me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
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