By Drake Hunter | Guest Columnist
Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences in life, especially when it happens in tragic circumstances.
My friend, Delilah Maly, knows this pain all too well, after losing her son and my dear friend, Ethan Dow, on April 20, 2024. Ethan was only 22 years old and had so much potential, but he struggled with many issues in life.
However, rather than dwelling on the problems up front, let’s honor Ethan’s memory with compassion and learn from his story. Doing so can create a world where people like Ethan find hope, healing and support to overcome challenges and discover renewed purpose in life. Remember that with enlightened, rather than misguided, faith, we can find a good reality for everyone through those who “Just Believe” in Life.
As followers of Christ, it is our privilege and solemn duty to extend understanding and empathy toward those who struggle and suffer. Mere mourning is indeed insufficient; we are called to labor tirelessly to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies from occurring in the first place. This calling requires advocating for improved access to mental health resources, implementing effective strategies to combat substance abuse, and promoting responsible gun ownership within our communities.
Moreover, Christian churches need to be sanctuaries where individuals like Ethan can find solace, hope and the genuine teachings of Jesus. They should be places that nurture and instill the attitude of embracing life rather than succumbing to despair and death through guilt, shame, and condemnation.
In doing so, we can fulfill Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Let us strive to create communities where individuals like Ethan are embraced, supported and guided toward healing and restoration through the unwavering love of Christ. We must embrace life’s complexities and strive to create a world where people can find meaning and purpose through Jesus Christ and the cause of a fulfilled, happy and successful life.
Ethan’s story reminds us that life is a precious gift that should be cherished and nurtured. Each of us is a unique and valuable creation of God, and we must approach our lives with empathy and a willingness to confront hard truths with grace. Through honoring life, we can truly pay tribute to Ethan and all those who have left us too soon.
Let us carry Ethan’s memory as a call to action. Let us be the voices of hope, empathy, and change in a world that desperately needs it. Let us strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
As Capt. Gus McCrae says in ‘Lonesome Dove’ to his lifelong friend Capt. Woodrow F. Call: “It’s not dying I’m talking about, it’s living.” True fulfillment comes from embracing life to the fullest. May we be filled with hope and peace so that we may overflow with hope by the power of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.