As The Month Ends

Hello Free World,

I feel like this post should be more to our community as opposed to you individually. January is almost over! The first month of the year and here we are moving forward, but with heavy hearts. As you all know, tragedy struck the hearts of the world with the announcement of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and several others passing in a helicopter crash. Kobe was a giant, a legend, and just a great human being. I think we're all looking for a finger to point in this one. When a 41 year old man dies alongside his 13 year old daughter, well, anger towards the universe is easy.

We all know that life is short, but we forget that death has only one objective: to end life. It has no primary target or age, it only has that one objective. I keep thinking about my baby cousin, 18 years old and gone...

I think the best thing about these beautiful human beings is how they were unapologetically authentic in every way. They didn't care about being the next "M.J." or the next "Randy Moss" they only cared about being the best versions of themselves. People are remembering them as they were because they put forward their best qualities and denounced their bad. So yes, mourn, because we lost individuals that stood for something greater. Cry, because there's one less person on this planet who created a legacy of change, tolerance, grace, and peace. Scream, because death isn't fair and it comes in as fast as the current. Then I want you all to remember, death also has purpose like fire.

Out of the ashes of death is something we forget: new life. Chapters end but the book keeps going. God grants the living a chance, one foot in front of the other to create a space that these legends once lived in. We move forward in remembrance of the legends and hope to preserve their legacies while creating new ones ourselves. It is THIS that we find in tragedy, a free community gathered together to honor those who once honored us with their legendary feats of kindness and growth.

So the challenge for this week, for this life:

Live everyday intentionally. Create change, even if it's in the smallest of ways. Make EVERY decision intentional, don't let any step you take be random anymore. Become a legend and leave a legacy of peace.

My prayers are with the families of the fallen. My prayers are also with all of you Free World. This is a loss that will continue to shake our world.

Keep your head up, be encouraged, and know that you are loved. You are a member of the Free World: a world without shame, without fear, a world where being who YOU are is expected. Be patient with yourself because everything is a process. Remember life is a marathon not a sprint. You'll make it through this week!