Words aren't enough.

I've always been a big fan of the written word. I've always felt there is such power in being able to take others to a place that may only exist inside of you, and help them experience it.

But then there are times like this when words seem to trivialize everything. They aren't enough. There aren't any words big enough or powerful enough to convey all the emotions that come with losing someone at a time that seems all too soon. We weren't done with him. There was so much more life we wanted to live with him.

Dan Thompson taught the people of our church to be genuine. He had little tolerance for a church environment where people had to put on a happy face and act like they had it all together. And he had even less tolerance for a church environment that was harsh and judgmental.

But he loved mercy. He loved grace. He loved being able to accept people for who they are, embracing both the good and the bad, and helping them along their journey no matter what point they may find themselves at.

He taught us to love God with all of our hearts. And he taught us to really, genuinely, deeply love each other. To lay our lives down for each other. And the last few years were spent teaching us to take that love outside the church. Don't just be nice to people .... really care about them. Really love them. And that is how they will see the heart of Jesus.

There is numbness. There are tears. There is laughter and memories. Most of all, there will be friendship. Hugging, crying, grieving. There may not be any words. But there will be people laying down their lives to help each other cope.

Because that's how Dan Thompson taught us to live.