"'Think of Me…' Remembering David McCraw"
When you hear the crack of bat and ball,
or hear the umpire bellow out his call of "safe" or "out"…
When you see a ball in lofted flight, or players tangled in the
night
as runner slides and baseman tags… think of me.
It was supposed to be a great day. Four baseball players returning from a church camp to play in an all-star game. One of them, sixteen-year-old David McCraw was sitting in the back seat listening to the radio and laughing with friends. David's mother was waiting at the ball field with his uniform. Another man who would be charged with reckless driving under the influence ran a stop sign and rammed into the side of the players' car. Three boys were injured. David died on the way to the hospital. Within a matter of seconds a great day became a community tragedy.
When class bells ring and hallways crowd with endless chatter
soft and loud of ordered chaos…
When wanton mischief calls and laughter causes sides to split
and tears to fall as mirthful mouths grow wide in glee… think of me.
David McCraw was the son of our organist and grew up in a wonderful little country church near Amelia, Virginia. He played with my daughter and occasionally got bored during long choir practices. But it was David who asked the tough questions about God and showed a real desire to grow stronger in his faith. He also had a knack for making friends everywhere he went.
When music rocks and speakers boom compelling all within the room
to echo lyrics that rap the soul… think of me.
David was a talented ball player and a typical teenager who had a tendency to play his music a little loud and move a little fast. In other words, David was normal. That's what makes it so difficult. David should not have died. We all know that life isn't fair… tragedies happen.
When hands are held and friends embrace with words of Comfort,
love and grace to shoulder sorrow and share in joys… think of me.
That is why we all need God so much.
That is why we all need God so much. I could not write these words if I didn't passionately believe that David is safely with God. But now what? When tragedy strikes, how do we respond? How do we go on and keep the memory of David McCraw alive in our hearts? That is why we all need God so much. I could not write these words if I didn't passionately believe that David is safely with God. But now what? When tragedy strikes, how do we respond? How do we go on and keep the memory of David McCraw alive in our hearts?
- Get angry but don't carry a grudge. Get angry but don't carry a grudge. Anger is a normal part of the grieving cycle, but carrying a grudge is destructive for you and everyone around you.
- Look for ways to help the family. Look for ways to help the family. Donate to David's Memorial fund. Visit the family, share stories and have a good cry. Make a scrapbook of memories and present it to the family.
- Join the crusade against Drunken Driving. Join the crusade against Drunken Driving. Something needs to be done. There are organizations for adults and youth. Get involved.
- Ask some hard questions Ask some hard questions about your faith in God. Where is God when tragedy strikes? What can you do to deepen your faith? How can God help you cope?
- Live life to the max! What are your dreams? Follow them with all of your heart and soul. That's what David was doing… What better way to honor his memory? Go for it!
When prayer is short and words too mute to speak the pain
that's taken root deep within the spirit's womb, then… think of me.
One of my favorite Bible verses says a lot about who God is and what our ultimate purpose in life is all about.
He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- God provided comfort when the entire community surrounded David's family.
- There was comfort when two churches opened their doors to accommodate the large crowd of mourners. One organized and hosted the funeral. Another prepared food for the mourners.
- There was comfort when the fellow teachers stood by David's mother and helped her handle the necessary tasks of grieving.
- There was comfort when David McCraw's teammates came in uniform to pay their respect and carry his coffin to a final resting-place.
Maybe, this is what being a Christian is all about. Offering comfort during times of tragedy, learning from them and growing stronger in our faith. If we can do that David McCraw's death will not have been in vain.
Think of me for I am there in every place and face and
heart that beats and every breath that's drawn in life, not death;
my strength, my love, my joy to give, for as you go on,
so shall I live in you, as I also live in God.
("Think of Me" is written by Rev. Richard A. Barclay)
The song in the back ground is "On Eagle's Wings" one of David's favorite hymns.