In Memoriam: David Matthew Morlan

I last saw David Morlan in 1989, when we graduated from high school.  And yet, news of his death yesterday has struck me hard.  Even in high school, I can't say that we were particularly close.  He was handsome, popular and the all-around athlete.  I wasn't.  And yet, he was a friend.  To many in the "lower" social strata high school, he was a protector and a friend.  Perhaps it was his humility or his easy going ways.  He cared and wasn't afraid to show it.  I have a son who's in high school.  If there was one person I would want him to emulate, it would be David.

We reconnected on Facebook.  But it wasn't high school that bound us together; it was our common faith.  We sent private messages encouraging each other in our faith journey.   I prayed for his wife and daughters, whom I've never met.  I prayed for the youth he pastored.  We lamented that we weren't better friends in high school.  For both of us, that was a lifetime ago, literally and figuratively.

I had hoped that I would be able to introduce David to my wife and kids the next time he was in S. CA.  Our reunion will have to wait.  Though he has passed and is experiencing the eternal glory of God, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, selflessness and love.  

Though many of our hearts ache, I find comfort in the assurance that David has run his race well and has been welcomed with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

If anyone's interested in supporting his family, please donate through this GFM link set up by David's brother. https://gf.me/u/y8ssrm

Where I Stand

1. Pro-Life: I believe in the sanctity of life, from conception through death.
2. Pro-Choice: I believe in a woman's choice on what she can do with her body.
3. Pro-Child: I want to give all children the opportunity to live and not just be born.
4. A black child born in U.S. today will likely face greater obstacles throughout life than a white child born today.  That's a tragedy that should affect us all.
5. The disparity between the richest and the poorest should not be as great as it is.
6. The U.S. is the land of opportunity.  Those who have benefitted from that opportunity should desire the same for others.
7. Love does not stop at our borders.
8. First responders and soldiers put their lives on the line for our safety.  They've earned the benefit of my doubt.
9. Morality starts in the home.  Teaching children right and wrong choices is the primary duty of parents.
10. I follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  All have the choice to believe or not believe the same.

Whether you agree with any or all of this, know that I love you.  I welcome discussion and even disagreement.  Peace to you all.