Nineteen years...

Jason & Lindsay on their last day before heaven. ♥

Today marks 19 years since Jason and Lindsay went home to be with Jesus.

When I think of Jason and Lindsay, I remember their humble nature, their love for Christ, and their love for others (family, friends, etc.).

They were not materialistic.
They were honest.
They were genuine.
They were kind-hearted.
They were funny.
They truly loved Jesus.
They had servant's hearts.
They were a blessing to everyone who knew them.
They were truly good people, and
They are dearly missed.

When their story appeared in headlines, they were referred to as many things: a midwestern couple, a young couple, two young Bible-camp counselors, victims of the Jenner slaying, an engaged couple, etc., but they were so much more than that. They were such a big part of their family's lives and loved by so many people. They were real. They were a part of our life stories.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has life experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped who they are. Everyone's story is unique. For those who have found Christ and follow Him, their "testimony" is their story of faith and how God has transformed their lives.

One of the things I love most about God is His ability to use even our mistakes for His glory. You might think you're too far gone to be used for God's glory but you are not! Your personal experiences, both good and bad, make you uniquely equipped to help others. God can help you find purpose for your pain and give you true healing. Your life story, all of it, can be your legacy of faith if you invite Christ to be a part of it.

Jason and Lindsay each had beautiful testimonies. Both grew up with amazing families who taught them about Jesus and raised them to love the Lord. They both embraced faith in Christ and their faith was radiant. They were very humble and unique in the sense that they gave up their material possessions so they could pursue a life of serving Jesus. As hard as it is to understand, I believe God allowed them to die when and how they did because He knew their story would be a powerful one that would resonate with many lost souls. Nineteen years ago, a disturbed young man with evil intentions sought to kill innocent people, but God did not allow that darkness to be the story. Jason and Lindsay's faith became the story/legacy and God continues to get the glory. That is exactly what Jason and Lindsay would want and more than they could have ever imagined.

What is your story? When you look back, do you see a purpose for the good and the bad? If you look back and only see pain, I pray that you will ask God to redeem it and restore your broken heart. If you look back and you see a relatively easy life, I pray that you will ask God to give you a perspective that only He can give you. I pray that everyone turns to God to ask Him how He can help you find how you are uniquely equipped to serve Him based upon your own personal experiences. We are all here for a reason. God created us with a purpose. Every single one of us. Never forget that! And how we live will ultimately be our legacy... one that I pray will glorify God.

Jason and Lindsay, we know you are more alive now than you ever were before, in the presence of Christ and in a place more incredible than our finite human minds can even begin to imagine. It's amazing to think that heaven is just a breath away. I am so grateful to you both for your humility and authenticity and the way you lived for Jesus! If only you could see how your story has brought so many people to faith in Christ. Maybe you already know. You are both dearly missed. We laugh thinking about the good times and cry thinking about the pain of losing you. But we all know that we will see you again and that is a priceless gift. To God be the glory, always!

Here is a beautiful message from Jason's mom:

Beloved Friends,

Many years ago, I read Billy Graham's book, "Angels." Near the conclusion of the book, he wrote the chapter entitled, "The Angels and Death." It left a lasting impression on me that there is beauty and majesty in the death of a saint.

Graham states, "Death for the Christian cuts the cord that hold us captive in this present evil world, so that angels may transport believers to their heavenly inheritance. Death is the fiery chariot, the gentle voice of the king, the invitation to non-stop passage into the banquet house of the world of glory."

Jason and Lindsay were certainly surrounded by evil on the beach that early morning of August 15, 2004. Evil had stalked them the previous evening. And then God, in His magnificent love, power and glory announced, "You two beautiful children are mine! I have come to take you Home." He cut the cord and took them to glory. This was the VICTORY IN CHRIST for Jason and Lindsay! We miss you both, Jason and Lindsay, but we will soon be with you when God's angels take us home to be with you.