I'm extremely shocked and saddened because of what happened to a friend and brother to so many of us this morning.  Kyle Lake died this morning as a result of a freak accident at his church University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.  This is such a hard thing for me to comprehend, because of Kyle's overall greatness in heart and the awesome family that he is a part of - both the Lakes and the UBC family.  Kyle was the head pastor at UBC, which is where I got to know him during my years at Baylor.  He is also from my hometown of Tyler, where he was friends with my sister and a great influence on a number of my friends growing up. 

I'll remember Kyle mostly for being an upbeat encourager and an awesome teacher who never apologized for who he was and was passionate to see others pursue God and to know God.  He indirectly had a great impact on my spiritual life during a very important time in my life and for that I am forever greatful.

I've debated whether or not to post this but I've talked to a lot of my friends and I think the word is getting out.  If you are finding out about this from reading this, then I am sorry this was the way you found out.  Please pray for his family, friends, and UBC.  Some day I will ask God why this happened and why in this manner.  It is definitely something that I want an easy answer to, but I realize that is not the case.  God is sovereign, I recognize that, but we still hurt with a loss such as this.  A piece of each of us that knew Kyle died today, but the Lord will restore us all and show us His peace throughout all of this.

Thank you Lord for Kyle's incredible life and the influence he had on so many people.  Thank you for sharing him with us and showing more of you through him.  May his legacy continue and multiply through all the lives that he affected and loved.