The past week, and especially the past few days have been tough when looking back at the life of not only a great teammate and outstanding player, but also a friend, who passed away from cancer on January 17th. When I heard the news about Weston, I broke down and then began asking questions. Why him? Why so young? How could God take such a great person away at such a young age? What is God’s purpose and what does He want from all of this? The week before the memorial, I started pondering all of these questions and could not come up with any adequate answers. Former teammate Mike Juergens picked me up from the airport Friday afternoon and we got to talking about Weston’s life and what God’s purpose was by calling Weston home so early when he had his whole life ahead of him. At the memorial service, it was great to see former teammates and coaches that I had once played with and were coached by. It was unfortunate that we had to come together under these circumstances, but again I knew God had a plan. It was a great service, and I believe it really showed what a great person, friend, brother, teammate, son, grandson, uncle, etc. Weston was. Psalm 61:1-2 was read during the service which says, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint: lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. Things started to make a little more sense to me, but His reason was still blurry. My former coach, Marty English, spoke about Weston and the relationship he had with him as a player and as a friend. He spoke about Weston’s perseverance and how he never quit, never complained, and was still looking out for others while he fought his own battle with cancer. I think Coach English said it best when he said, “Weston won this battle. He never flinched and he fought all the way until the end. He won because he is pain free and is in Heaven with God.” Because Jesus conquered death on our behalf, Weston is in Heaven pain-free with God. I started to see things more clearly after Coach English spoke- still not crystal clear, but clear enough to see a purpose. After the memorial, we had a long drive back to Denver with a lot of time to think. We met up with some old teammates that night, and it was great catching up with old friends. On the plane ride back to North Carolina on Sunday, I was reading my devotional, and still trying to make sense of what had happened to Weston. I came across several Bible verses that really hit home for me. They are Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Corinthians 15:54-58, 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Ephesians 6:10-18, and are really worth the read. I know I will never have all the answers, but I like to think that I now have a better understanding as to why. We can never underestimate the grace and the strength He will give us for whatever challenges we face. Only God knows the plans He has for each us, and what it all means in the big picture of life. I do know that we were all placed on this earth with a purpose: A purpose to share His word and to speak of His name to others who may not know Him. Although this was not the circumstance which we were expecting to get together, I believe that there was a purpose for our gathering: A purpose to see old friends and show our support for Weston’s family. That’s what Weston would have wanted. Through all of the pain, he never complained, he never gave up hope of being cured, and he continued to love on others. He cared for others before himself. He never flinched and he won. He was Cowboy tough. Isaiah 53:12 “Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly – the best of everything, the highest honor – Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest.” What I learned from this experience is to never flinch at anything. Choose joy when you are going through challenges, and try and remember that the trials make you stronger. Think of and help others as you are going through trials. It’s all too much for us to do in our own strength, but with God, all things are possible. I’ll miss you, Weston. Thank you for your great example on how to live the life you’re given. I will never forget you. Cowboy Tough and Never Flinch.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:18:36 +0000
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