Jaimee Draper
9-09-05
Tribute to "Mitchie"....
"Mitch." For those of us who knew him, hearing or saying the word meant more than just some guy's name. "Mitch" brought up a chain of stories or events to talk, laugh, or reminisce about, whether we were with him, or just discussing him. Mitch was no ordinary man. He was one you couldn't forget if you wanted to... and I know no one who would want to.
I grew up with Mitch and hi sister Nicolee. We were cousins and friends since the day Mitch was born. I held Mitch in my "four-year-old" arms when he was onl a couple weeks old. I knew from the start we'd be buddies. My brother, Jeff, and I were with our souins all the time. We were blessed to grow up with such close cousins in age and similarities. Although, there were much shared interest and beliefs, there were also differences. God made us each in a unique way to be used in our lives to glorify Him, and stretch and teach each other.
I always admired Mitchell's boldness and what seemed a lack of fear. He would sense my cautious worry and often say, "Don't worry about it! Nothing's gonna happen". He meant that even if something wasn't going to go exactly as planned, God had it under control. Mitch's faith allowed him to accomplish and grow in ways I pray I will grow in as well.
Another part of Mitch's spirit that I often talked about until he went to be with the Lord was his sensitivity. Mitch had a bold and brave demeanor, that often became somewhat overbearing, but it could never cover the gentle heart and love he had for others. He loved Jesus, and allowed Jesus to show compassion to others through him. I witnessed the "Bear-like" physique turn to tenderness as his gentle spirit she d tears for others several times.
I sometimes wrestle with the "why" God took Mitch at age 23. Mitch might say that the #23 is a great number for Chicago sports fans like himself "Dude, we have Michael Jordan (23) and Ryen Sandberg (23)!" If told that he would be leaving this earth at 23, he would've probably said, "it's my time", without worrying about how young that age is considered on this earth. The "why" may never be fully known on this side of heaven. What we all must wrestle with is the "where" am I with my relationship with my Father? Not one of us knows the appointed time Goad has for us to be done with this earth. We are here for a purpose... each one of us his own. Do we have a relationship with the one and only heavenly Father God, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
I am so thankful that I have heard the Truth, and have had the opportunity to know my Savior, Jesus. I have accepted Him as the Forgiver of my sins and the One who has given me eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone who hears has that opportunity! I pray that if you don't know the Father... the same Father who Mitch knew, that you will talk to God, who listens, and ask him to be your Savior. The Bible says to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and though shall be saved!" It also says in Romans 6:23 that, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." It's free! All we have to do is believe in Jesus and ask Him to forgive us to our sins and wipe all that sin away.
I remember at one Christmas family get-together, Mitch stood in front of the family and recited Proverbs chapter 3 from the Bible. He also had a verse from that chapter on his computer before he went to be with Jesus. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." In a world of so much uncertainty, choose to turn to Jesus today. He loves you and want you to spend forever with Him... and Mitch.
Comments
There aren't any comments yet, be the first!