There are a million things I should be doing right now. I should be finishing my talk for tomorrow. Putting together my visuals and handouts. Sleeping, for Pete’s sake. But I can’t. Not before I write about what I just saw tonight. Miraculous. Truly.
There is a beloved teacher/coach in our school whom everyone loves. He is an amazing man. He is amazing, not because of great accomplishments or his incredible mind. He is amazing because of his love. He is a fierce lover of God, people and life. And He loves all of those things loudly and with great passion. And in return, he is absolutely adored and admired.
He is now in hospice after a nine month battle against cancer. Throughout that battle, he has fought bravely and honorably. And his love for God and people has never wavered. It has, in fact, shown brighter than ever and has impacted the kids and families of Legend High School beyond belief.
Tonight there was a prayer service for him and for his family. It was thought that perhaps 30 kids would show up. But instead, the church auditorium was filled with kids and parents who came to honor a man who has marked their lives forever. There was a recording of a church service where he gave his testimony in December, when he found out that his cancer was returning with a vengeance. And to hear him share how thankful he is for everything God has blessed him with in life and to hear the joy in his voice as he talked about his eleven month old son, wow. It was absolutely beautiful. For all those kids to once again have the opportunity to hear this man that they love declare his love for Jesus and for them – just stunning to watch.
And as I sat there with tears streaming down my face, I just stared in wonder at the miracle that God is doing at Legend High School through this one man’s life. Kids are hearing about God’s love in bold and beautiful ways. Kids are joining together to mourn and to comfort each other. Kids are hearing and seeing so clearly the impact that one life fully devoted to God can change their world. And there is a miracle going on among them at their campus and off. They are hearing God’s voice calling and they are responding. And I can only cry in amazement.
Blake held me close as I cried. Not like a boy hugs his mom, but like a man hugs his mom. Tight and strong, with kisses on my head and “i love you’s” in my ear. We prayed together and he said, “Mom, I’m so glad God brought us here.” And I could not have agreed more. Huge waves of gratitude rushed over me as we both thanked God for bringing us to this place and to this school and to this group of people who are witnessing God’s incredible hands at work.
Tonight Legend High School came together to honor a great man. Tonight they honored a true Legend…
