“Friends, don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything
you want, but as an opportunity to lovingly serve each other." ~ Galatians
5:13
Justin lived life large. Just last week, he sauntered across the stage
to accept his diploma; a symbol of thrilling success and poignant memories. A
popular kid and excellent student, Justin was voted “class comedian” by his
peers and completed many AP courses during high school. Whether playing his baritone in the marching
band, playing guitar at church, attending concerts, or just jamming with
friends, Justin loved music. His talent
captivated those gripped by his passion.
He rarely sat still except in a deer stand hunting with
friends. Justin often talked about nature’s
quiet time - moments he enjoyed alone with God, dreaming of a future filled
with hope and joy.
Like any recent high school grad, he felt life’s stress at
times and occasionally disagreed with his family. Life wasn’t always perfect: the future wasn’t
crystal clear. But he had plans – for
college, with a girl he adored, to study farming - a steward of God’s green
earth.
Euphoria surrounded Justin’s graduation party. Elated parents couldn’t stop smiling - proud
of who he’d become.
It’s basically incense - a blend of herbs and spices sprayed
with a synthetic compound similar to the substance (THC) found in marijuana. Stores that sell the pricey bags of fragrant
herbs can't keep it on their shelves.
Teens roll Spice in papers to make joints, or they smoke it
in pipes. It delivers a high similar to
that of marijuana; users claim it's almost impossible to tell the difference. Traditional drug screens can’t yet detect its
presence in the body. But it’s stronger
and far more dangerous than weed. The
drug moves quickly from the lungs into the bloodstream where agitation, convulsions,
vomiting and life-threatening hyper-tension can extinguish life – like
Justin’s.
He never planned to die that night. Justin wasn’t suicidal. One week before his death he shopped for a
computer for college. A few days before
his death, Justin placed a bow on hold at Cabela’s for fall deer hunting
season. Just a few hours before he died,
he played video games with his little brother. After his death, his parents discovered a
half-finished letter to his girlfriend pledging to spend the rest of his life
with her.
His plans were snuffed out by naivety; no do-overs. Know the dangers . . . save a life!
Mighty God, keep our kids safe and free from
chemical substances that may affect their decisions, harm their bodies, and
destroy key relationships. Let those
tempted with drug use know we care and that they may find freedom in You. Amen
