Well, it seems that another influential person of my past has joined Jesus in heaven far too young and far too tragically. If we are to be truthful, all of us are here for a season, and God has planned out and numbered each of our days. His perfection is not limited by our imperfection. Pastor Orlando Rivera was killed in a car accident early morning on Memorial Day. He was only 52 and left behind a large family and legacy. I haven't seen him in a very long time, but in coming upon his picture, his friendly and caring personality came right back to me. He was a pastor at my church during an influential time in my life. I don't remember how long he was there, but know it was in high school and beyond.
I remember seeing him working in a Chick-Fil-A sometime when my children were young. I believe he was a pastor for another church at that time. It was probably the last time I saw him. I remember that he and his wife were the first interracial couple that I ever knew. I think that they moved to the Parramore area to live in a neighborhood that was scary to be near but desperately needed to experience God's love. I think that many, if not all, of their many children are adopted. I could be wrong as it's been a long time, but I find it interesting that seeing a photograph of his smiling face brings back the dynamic and inclusive person that he was. I pray for his family, not because they can't survive, for I am certain that their strength comes from the Lord. I pray because it is hard to lose someone, but even harder to not be able to say goodbye. It is a very real fear of mine.
I am thankful to have known these people that now wait for me in heaven......Grandpa and Grandma Carlson, Grandpa Lehn, Ava, Isaac, Chad, Grandma Lehn, Angie's Dad, and now Orlando. I also found out that two very special friends of mine that stuck with me through the toddler and preschool years with my oldest, have both lost their husbands. One friend was happily married and lost her husband very quickly to brain cancer. The other friend had remarried, but has two daughters who lost their father instantly (I believe also in a wrong way collision, like Orlando).
Unbelievable. It is amazing to me how many have died so young. I find it comforting to think that we are developing a personal distributed church in heaven. Hold on to your faith, for it truly is the only constant that you will ever have. I write without revision, because the sadness is fresh and the shock is real. Even while God has protected me personally by distancing me through the years from those that have been taken away, others have not been so lucky. Maybe they are just in a different place, though, with different strengths and different things to learn.
Caring is hard no matter what. Being vulnerable enough to love results in great joy AND great pain. Bravo to those that keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and are willing to risk loving.
Matthew 5:4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Go in HIS peace........
