Last Friday afternoon, just before our [amazing] weekend event, a nearby church held a funeral mass for one of our local skater guys, Dex, who died from huffing freon. Some of the students in our ministry attended it before showing up to help us set up here. They were visibly moved. Obviously, we have some sizable theological differences in what happens to us when we die, but this wasn't the time or place for that. These guys were really shaken up over the loss of their friend, and it impacted our entire weekend (in a good way).
One of the interesting things I've found is Dex's MySpace page. Since MySpace is the water-cooler of our students, I've found the memorial comments (and requests) pretty intriguing. At this point, I'm not going to judge whether or not Dex had a relationship with Jesus. I can't make that call. But the theology of the students that are sending the now-passed-on Dex is, well, …interesting. You should check it out. Some comments may be out of grief. Out of sorrow. Out of closure. Some out of hope that the deceased is watching over us and somehow able to impact our lives.
Of course, it should go without saying that the link contains some language that may be offensive to some. If it offends you, I'm sorry. But look past the music and the slang to the hearts of the students who are commenting.
Thoughts?
