As the clock ticked ever closer to midnight last night, a series of events and conversations took place through facebook that gave me a powerful reminder of what it means to live out “Love Does.” This morning I awoke to a new year and a very heavy heart. Let me give you some detail first…
In one of the most remarkable moments of my life, I ran into a high school friend in Maryland while I was traveling for business several years ago. The full story is HERE. The short version is that I ran into a guy I thought the world of in high school. He had the world be the tail back then. His future was so bright. When I ran into him he was broken down and fighting demons of drug addiction. Over the next several months we would remain in contact with one another. Eventually we scraped together funds to help him move to a homeless shelter in Miami. There he got clean, got support and put his life together. My last contact with him was that he was moving from the shelter and had secured a position at a local grocery store. Through the years I often think of him and wonder where he is.
Last night I found out….
Apparently my friend was picked up in Miami in November on a cocaine charge. The picture on this post crushed me. He looks terrible. The demons that chase him continue to eat away at his once promising future. Immediately I was reminded that to live a life that “Love Does” like Bob Goff talks about in his book, we pursue people like Jesus did. We love people like Jesus did. Even with the scars. Even with the demons.
I have no idea how to do this, but I am 100% determined to get to my friend. I need to find him. I need to again breathe whatever life into him that I can. I need to give him hope and maybe, just maybe, remind him of all that he can still achieve in this life. If anyone has resources to connections in Miami, as far as I know he is currently being held there. For now I will write a letter and hope it gets to him. I am praying for God to open doors.
I need to get to my friend.
Because that’s what Love Does.
Wishing you the best with this, Aaron. Enjoyed reading it. Marla’s cousin Kelly is an awesome person who lives in Miami/Homestead area. Her store/site is http://www.potoffee.com. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.
Thanks Gabe. I really appreciate that. I know that social media can shrink the size of this world. I need to get to my friend. Thank you so much for the contact there.
Your Story Truly Touched My Heart This Morning. I Will Be Praying that You Can Find your Friend, and That By A Miracle..Your Letter Makes It To Him. I Have A Cousin Who Has A Singing Group, and Has A Prison Ministry…Most Of What They Do Is In The Prisons Of the South. Nelson Coblentz Has The MOST AMAZING CONNECTIONS In The Correctional Facilities. If You Would Like…I Can Put You In touch With Him…He HAs Been Doing Prison Ministry For Probably 35-40 Yrs…Him And His Wife Sarah Are AMAZING PEOPLE!!
http://www.gospelexpressonline.org/….His Name Is Nelson Coblentz…This Is The Website…Search Through And See If There Is ANYTHING That Could Be Of Use To You…I Know you Can Call Their Office And They Can Put you In Touch With The Right People…And If You Give Nelson Your Friend’s Name…He Should Be Able to Help You Out With All The Info You Need!!
I will take a look at this BJ. Thank you for the quick response and willingness to help. I know we’re going to get to him. I really believe it.
Thanks BJ. I will reach out to them once I find out all of the details. I found out yesterday that he is currently not being held. It will make finding him more difficult, but he does have a court date so I know where I will be able to find him and when. Thank you again. Depending on what happens with that court date, I might need to some local help to continue to work with him.
Aaron I’m with you, let find him.
We will Darren. Several wheels already in motion. God directed our paths once. I am trusting He will do it again. Pray for our friend.
I am stunned to read your blog. Shawn was someone I admired and looked up to in high school. My prayers for him and for your efforts to reach him. In Christ.
Agreed Ron. From the day he moved to Bedford Heights and was “the new kid” at school, he captured everyone that knew him. God’s got His hand on his life. We’ll find him.
Aaron– just read this after Denise Detman posted the link to Facebook. Grateful to know of your health and happiness, heartbroken at Sean’s pain and at your agony over it. Prayers for him and for guidance for you. Thanks for writing so eloquently.
best,
Della (Gott) Rucker
Thank you Della. I hope you are well too. Thank you for the prayers. Pray for him. The outpouring today has been remarkable. He is loved. I can’t wait to find him and share how much he’s loved and how many people care for him.
So unfortunate. Praying that your words will lift him up, give him hope & provide him with faith, strength & determination. If notes of encouragement are helpful, please send me Sean’s address.
Thank you Lynn. I will pass along whatever information I find out. The response has been incredible.
Aaron when you do find him please let Sean know that there are so many friends that are here to help…may God bless you and Sean and reconnect you again…Sharon Novak Vlk
Thanks Sharon. It was incredible to see the response from so many from BHS as the day unfolded yesterday. I never anticipated it would get that response but it only increased my determination to find him. He has to know how many people care about him. I will update the blog/facebook as things develop. Great to hear from you.