I know we can't and shouldn't condemn ourselves or others... we can't turn back time...we can't take away an accident or mistake...but we CAN and SHOULD learn from it. If we don't learn from things that happen in life, then what is the point. My little brother lost his life a year ago...and it hurts my heart when I see how little of an impact it had on changing the life of any of the people involved that night or obviously on family that keep cheering on and encouraging the partying behavior of those who were involved. This thing...this horrible thing...impacted me...It forever changed my life and my perspective. Since my post, people have either been making disparaging remarks about my character or posting scriptures to try to condemn me and make me feel guilty for feeling and reacting the way I have about the whole situation. I'm on the receiving end from those in the world and from those who claim to not be of this world. It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood. Well let me share this with you...I don't feel guilty for doing this or saying this but rather...I hurt...and I don't want anyone else to hurt like I hurt if I can do anything to help it. I have so many fond memories of my little brother, but they are overshadowed by what occurred and by not seeing change in lives of those involved after the fact. At some point in life, we have to own up to responsibility. We have to learn, grow, and consider how our decisions affect other people. Hopefully my decision to share all this will speak to someone out there...hopefully they'll get that what we do in this life truly does have an impact on others...not just ourselves.
Unlike some, I don't use the scriptures to condemn other people and have a real hard time with people who do... but I do want to leave you with this thought from Philippians 2:3-4...(not to condemn...because, really what good would that do...but rather to make people think about decisions they are getting ready to make), "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
I won't sit quietly and watch this happen to someone else if it's in my power to do something about it.
I'm posting this and will take the flack for this reason...and this reason alone...I'm looking out for the interest of life... I'm speaking out to and for those who will be impacted by the decisions made by others. I want my little brother's life and death to have meant something...to not have been in vain but rather to have an impact that is far reaching. My heart and hope is that one day those involved in this tragedy will understand and grow...and for those who are faced with similar decisions, I implore you to make better choices. This was and is for Paul. Love you forever little buddy!