Saying Goodbye for now to James Collins

Growing up in church has been and always will be one of the best things that my parents have ever done for me. As in any church family though you have certain people that you grow up with and at the time never really imagine you will have to say goodbye until we meet again in heaven. But this week I had to experience this for the first time with someone that I was pretty close to growing up and that was extremely hard. James Collins was killed last Friday, June 26, 2009, in a hit and run accident.
James Collins was a person that never met a stranger. He could enter a room and the atmosphere would change. He would light up a room with his smile. That was just him. He was a person that many people say they are very glad to be able to call him friend and I am absolutely the same way he was someone that I am sure no one is ashamed to call their friend. James was a United States Marine and very proud of it. James loved to dance before the LORD with his mom and by himself. Now he is just dancing before the throne. Just like Bro. Danner said at the funeral GOD just needed another soldier guarding His throne. He had a little boy named Dustyn James who has his daddy's hair and eyes. This has helped Ms. Cheryl (James' Mom) get through this difficult time knowing that there is someone to carry on James' name. His mom has been such an encouragement through all of this, she is a true blessing to know and may GOD bless her and her family and continue to be with them as they go through coping with the death of an amazing young man. It just goes to show that GOD knows what you have need of before you even need it.
GOD knew and still knows what He is doing through James' death because at his funeral 10 people raised their hands for first time salvation or to rededicate their lives to Christ. So yes we are saying goodbye to James for now, but we are also saying See you soon buddy...Cant wait to see you in Heaven.