Ridgell's Originals

Many of you may know by now that an ACU student died early this week. He was also a member at Southern Hills. Zach Swan was outgoing, friendly, and enjoyed singing and talking about Jesus. He made it a point to connect with me every Garden of Prayer. There were always about two full rows of the group he ran with. He will be missed and our hearts go out to his friends and family.

Last night some of us from Southern Hills and a few ACU faculty met with about 100 students to sing, pray, and just be together for healing. So here are some things I was reminded of over the past few days.

We have to lean on each other when times are tough. That's what family does. We cry together, we bear burdens together, and we help each other heal.

Continue to seek real community and stay connected. Tragedy will come into our lives and we will need each other to survive.

There are some things for which there are no answers. At least not answers I know and can give. I just have to trust God. He was God, He is God, and He will always be God.

Love on the people close to you. Be sensitive to their hurts and needs. Be willing to go the second mile.

And sometimes, no matter how connected, tragedy comes. Satan is real, he hates us, and he wants to destroy us.

Someday God will wipe away all tears.