Over the past 24 hours, I have pretty much only had one thing on my mind. The world lost an amazing man and a mentor to many. Brian Staron passed away Thursday. Ever since I was little, I have known Brian to be one of the funniest people I have ever met. He loved to entertain everyone. His energy was addicting and it was impossible to be in a bad mood when you were around him.
Brian was a man of God. He lived his life to teach people, especially young people, about the love of Christ. From Dyersburg to Orlando, Richmond, Franklin, to Bartlett and many of places in between, he touched the lives of many. He loved to take on new challenges at congregations and had a way of growing youth groups in ways that not many people could do. He not only wanted children to succeed but he also wanted parents and others to be able to help mentor children as well. He helped developed the Ministering to Yough (M2Y) conference so everyone from parents to ministers would be able to help guide children to a life with Christ.
Brian left a footprint in the hearts of many. There will also be a special place in my heart for him and Mrs. Carol. They have two amazing young men that have the same love and compassion that their parents have. Both boys have proven to put others before themselves through their willingness to fight for our country.
As Christians, we are taught to go out into the world and teach others about Christ and bring them to Him (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to be the light (Matthew 5:14). We are to love everyone (Mark 12:31). We are to love our wife just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). These are just a few of the examples of what it is like to be a Christlike example.
When I think of these Biblical examples, I can see Brian in every one of these. He loved teaching God’s word. His laughter through his comedy was a light to the world. For those who knew Brian, you know that he loved everyone and never met a stranger. His love for Mrs. Carol is one that we men need to use as an example of how to love and treat your wife.
God blessed us by giving us the opportunity to know Brian and his family. I hope that one day when it is my time to be called home that my life will be able to be remembered like Brian’s.
We will continue to pray for the Staron family as they go through this unexpected time together.
God is good…
30 Second Thoughts 