Justin’s Life Humbles Me And Has Caused Me To Reflect On My Life.

For the three years that I have known Justin and his family, I have watched them pray, laugh, cry, and stand together. From a distance, I have seen him struggle to survive, have learned about the severity of his sickness, which I did not know of when I first met him, and have celebrated Justin overcoming various odds, and one of his great worldly accomplishments of graduating from college.

What I never knew was how broad his reach was. But, the lesson I learned most from him, I learned at his home going service. I will never forget the image of a church filled beyond capacity, overflowing with sincere love for Justin. When I listened to all of the testimonies about how Justin touched so many, how one humble, beautiful human being who was full of life continues to fill the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people with spirits of hope and hearts of laughter. He is respected and loved by so many because he only showed respect and love for so many.

Justin’s life humbles me, and has caused me to reflect on my life. He overcame more in his 25 years than I can imagine in my 33, and his life has made a greater impact than I may ever make on others. I have been touched by his smile that shined far brighter than his pain and inspired by his perseverance. My testimony about Justin is far more simple than that of many who spoke at his service, and who knew him far better than I. However, I am thankful because I had the honor of knowing him. Period.

“Thank you Justin.” And more importantly, “thank you, God, for Justin”.

Love Nikki O'dell