Remembering Ryan

On Monday afternoon our dear family friend was in a wreck and went to be with the Lord. It didn’t feel real then and still really doesn’t. I was in total shock all week and tried not to think about it. I just wasn’t ready to go there. By the time we got to the church in Arkansas on Thursday night, I lost it. Seeing his parents, who were like a second set of parents to me growing up, was hard. As I hugged his dad, he told me that it was ok, Ryan was in a better place and was happy. He later told me that when he looked through Ryan’s Bible he found several things and one was his testimony. He asked me to tell Ryan's story. As 1500 people filed through the church doors Thursday night, Coach White and Mrs. White, too, told everyone the same thing he told me. Ryan was a Christian, he is happy and in a better place. He is ok. Ryan's dad was witnessing to others that night through the story of his son - a guy who we all know was a Christian and one who loved the Lord with all of his heart. Friday morning was the funeral service in the same church we both grew up in and with our Pastor who came when we were in Junior High. Brother John also told of Ryan’s faith in the Lord and how he used his life to glorify God. Ryan was starting his second season as a baseball coach for a High School in MS. He played ball his whole life and loved a sermon our pastor preached which related the game of baseball to our relationship with Christ which was again shared with us. The service was absolutely beautiful. The message was something I hope and pray Ryan’s family, friends, and baseball team will never forget. We were all encouraged to live a life like Ryan did putting God first, others second, and ourselves last. We were encouraged to live a life for God in all that we do. He also talked about how Ryan’s passion for his players was not just that they would become great ball players but also that they would become great people…something he learned from his parents and from growing up in the church. Towards the end of the service we were asked to stand and link arms…we then were asked to sing “Take Me out to the Ballgame.” A 7th inning stretch of the service and something we all needed to do even though it wasn’t easy...something Ryan would have loved. The burial was also a time to remember Ryan. I know my life has changed forever because of his story because of his life that he lived to the fullest, all while glorifying God.

Growing up with Ryan was never a dull moment. We were first in the same 4-year old Sunday School Class. I have a picture of us from then with curly headed Ryan flashing the cheesiest grin. We were then off to Kindergarten and in the same class. Our families became close through church and school as both of our moms worked in the same building at school. We all know Ryan was a Christian because no one could ever forget his baptism. At the age of 6, he asked Jesus into his heart and joined the church. He was then baptized…he first slipped on the steps and yelled, “Whoa!” After he was baptized, he dog-paddled out of the baptistery. How could any of us forget that moment?! Ryan, my brother, and I, played outside together, went Trick-or-Treating together, traveled together, celebrated holidays together, watched him play ball, etc. He was always a part of my life. As we grew older we did grow apart. Just didn’t spend time together for various reasons. We did stay in touch with him and his family even after moving away and through reading what others have said and written about his character as an adult, I know he was a man of God. He cared for every person he met and went above and beyond for those he cared about. He was such an example for all of us. As hard as it is to know that he is no longer here with us, he is in a better place and for that it does give us all a peace. Our pastor also said, “Ryan is with Jesus, Jesus is with family, there is comfort in that.” What a comfort to all who knew him. My prayer is that through his story others will come to know the Lord for the first time or those who do know the Lord while strive to be more like Christ.

Make time for your friends and family and show everyone God’s love because you never know when it may be the last time. Please remember Ryan’s family and friends in your prayers.

Kindergarten

The Lakeside Big Top Circus

Ryan and his mom

Halloween

Friends are the Family you Choose...

Just some of the kiddos from our group of friends on Easter Sunday.

(Ryan on the right side)

The famous silly picture.

The Whites are MS State fans...this was the 1992 championship game. They clearly pulled for Bama that night. Dad said that he would tell Ryan he couldn't have more fish and Ryan would answer with, "Ok, Ok, I will cheer for AL!"

Our Youth Group Sunday School teachers had a progressive dinner for us on Prom night our Senior Year...this was our group walking to the next house. (Ryan is on the right side of the picture)

Graduation Party

“You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (CEV)