RIP CKG

Last Friday, Fort Worth Christian school suffered a heartbreaking loss.  Connor Gage, a freshman, died in a tragic drowning accident at Possum Kingdom Lake.  Needless to say, the last several days have been difficult for our school family.

There are not words sufficient enough to ease the pain of loss in the hearts of Connor's parents and his older brother Riley.  Connor's young friends and classmates are deeply grieving with the precious Gage family as well.

Riley and Connor, after their first CC meet together, taken the morning of Connor's death.

Even though the heartache is real and sometimes overwhelming, we all take great comfort in the fact that Connor is in peace, he is done with pain, he is seeing in full what the rest of us are struggling to see in part.  Maybe he is going for a run, or catching up with family and friends who have gone before him.  Perhaps he is talking with one who was before an obscure, ancient Bible character, but who is now a close friend and brother.  None of us knows what heaven is like exactly, but by faith that is sometimes hard to explain, we hold on to the fact that Connor is hearing, "Job well done," and resting with His Savior in peace.  His race is won.

I don't know why it is this way, but for those of us who believe in God and His Son, and their Spirit  who is always with us on this earth, we see His hand the most in the midst of tragedy.  In our moments of greatest weakness, our strength is enough to crush the gates of hell without blinking.  I have seen this many times over, and am currently witnessing it tenfold as I watch a community of Christian teenagers come together and support one another through the storm.  If one man of faith is strong when he is broken, then a community of faith is unstoppable.

 There is no question this school year will be tough.  For the Gages, for the friends of Connor, for our small community here at Fort Worth Christian.  But as we lean on each other and walk through the valley hand in hand, I imagine the Lord will be nearer than ever.  In the coming days, months, and even years, I look for these young warriors to see more than ever that they have a God and Savior, a best friend, who is right there with each one of them.  Maybe they will hear, feel, and know for the first time in a long time, or perhaps for the first time ever, that there truly is a God who loves them.  And in this way, Connor Gage will live on, continually testifying for the One who gives life, even in his death.

Much love to Brett, Dana, and Riley. 

Connor's locker.

Notes from a large banner in the foyer.

Wearing white for Connor.