There have been a lot of celebrity deaths in the news lately. I don’t know what it is about the end of the year that brings this about, but it seems to be the norm every single year. And let’s face it. It’s not just celebrities stories that catch our attention. I’m sure that each of you reading this has heard your fair share of local stories of tragedy recently as well. There is something about this time of year that makes them all stand out and seem sadder than the ones that happen any other time of the year.
One in particular is weighing on my heart this very moment. A member of the amazing Disney community I am proud to be a part of passed away on Christmas Eve. He had a heart attack at just 34 years of age. 34!!! He left behind his wife and infant daughter. I did not know him very well, but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is the amazing support and love I saw pouring in afterward. Our little Disney community pulled together like nothing I have ever seen before. And it was absolutely beautiful.
You will always question the why. Why did this have to happen? Why so young? Why so unexpected? Why to such a positive person with so much to offer the world?! The truth is, we may never know why this side of heaven. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. It’s a great mystery. But one thing is sure, one day we will understand the why. There IS a purpose to the pain. There must be. If only to see the beauty of seeing humanity pull together during these times of tragedy.
We are here to help one another. To share in each other’s burdens. If there is one point to tragedy, at the very least it brings us all together in love. We are united in this one cause. The most important cause of all. Love.
So, dear friends, tonight let’s be thankful for each other. Our connections. Our love. We may not agree on everything, but we don’t have to. We can agree to disagree and still love one another. Whatever may be weighing heavy on your heart tonight, please take a moment to reflect on it. Be moved by it into action. Please be moved by it into action. Whatever it is you can do. Maybe a donation somewhere, maybe a random act of kindness. Whatever love you can pour out as a result, do it. This is what makes a difference in this world.
May God Bless You All. Amen.
