NeverGiveUp74
Who was Sean? A story of redemption.
God gave our son's short life great purpose - one that has enormous potential; the purpose of sharing hope and encouraging others.
"Promises that the Lord will complete in each of us the purpose that he has planned." Psalm 138:8
Sean was given a great talent and passion for football... loving it from a very young age. He was a bright, charismatic young man and his future was promising.
It was unfortunate that misguided decisions led Sean to become involved with recreational drugs in his early teen years. Unfortunately for Sean these demons took hold quickly and he was led down the dark painful road to addiction. This addiction led to failure in school and conflict with the law. Pain engulfed our family. Sean endured many consequences including drug testing, house arrest, incarceration, and probation.
Each time Sean found himself in trouble, however, he would land on his feet and be given another chance... and another... and another. Lamentations 3:22 tells us that the love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never end! I would always tell him, "Sean, it's because God wants to use you... YOU have a story to tell, you will touch a lot of lives."
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me." Psalm 138:7
As Sean's family, pastors, teammates, friends, and coaches stuck by him, supporting him through this dark time, we eventually saw a change. This young man did not give up. He made positive adjustments to his life resulting in obtaining goals he had set. He realized his potential.
Sean died in his sleep 10 days before his 20th birthday due to a pulmonary embolism. In the year before Sean was called home, we were so proud that he was able to see his worth. He began holding himself accountable, won a National Championship in football, and graduated from college. Sean's is a story of redemption; of never giving up on himself or the promises that God has made to us.
We hope that our son's story inspires others to put their past behind them and go on to accomplish great things.
Never. Give. Up.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:13