Joyful Transformation

It was Roll Tide that got me. Somehow I had convinced myself that it was just another day and I got up and went to spin class. Of course this is a football weekend and this is the south, so it is on everyone’s mind. Steve (our instructor) asked if there were any Auburn fans and we had a weak (sorry Terri) War Eagle go up. Then he asked enthusiastically how about Alabama fans, to which there was a roaring Roll Tide!

You see, Scotty had never been to a college football game. He and Derek had tickets to go to the Alabama game this Saturday. From there it went down hill. I couldn’t sing or clap. I rode for about 30 minutes and then I had to get out of there.

The current speculation is that he was killed by someone who knew him. The prime suspect is a brother to one of his ex-girlfriends. Scotty had helped him in the past by bailing him out of jail. I don’t know details or facts for that matter, but it does not surprise me that Scotty was helping someone who was down and out. What I cannot understand is how someone could beat him up and then shoot him in the head.

I want to tell you a little about Scotty. He was such a hard worker. He had just taken another job this past week. He had bought a couple of houses and was looking to buy another one. Did I mention he was only 25? He didn’t get anything the easy way. He worked hard and had risen above some of the hardships he had growing up. Derek met him when he needed a friend that believed in hard work. He was also a saver (Derek needed that too!) He put 20% of his pay into his 401-K and had started several IRA's.

For the last two and half years he has been like family. He was there when Matthew was born and has been a big part of his life. This year he came to our house on the 4th of July. He had never been in a boat. Derek and Mary took him out to enjoy the lake for a while.

Scotty was planning to be married later this year. He had gone to Cambodia in June where he made the plans with his future bride. He loved being in that country because he could give so much to her family. He told of taking the whole family out for lobster dinner and it only costing $20. He brought a video to our house to show us all that he had experienced while there.

I don’t understand a world in which God’s children kill each other. I can’t fathom having that much anger or meanness in my heart. I weep thinking of the goodness and the potential that was snuffed out.

Lord, I just want to go home…come quickly.