Billy...
I met billy at a BBQ in our back yard about a year ago. Big kid, big hair, big tender personality. I was drawn to him, curious about him, and excited to get to know him. I was thrilled to see a young black male teen with such a kind heart and so willing to be verbal about his joy. I saw him a few times after that but haven't seen him since.
His neighbors brought him. Gabe, Jackie and their 5 children. They are a glowing example of the love of God and have befriended Billy like family. Nick and I have known Gabe since the first week we moved here and have gradually gotten to know the rest of the family including Billy.
Here is what I know about Billy's death. He stood up for what was right. He rose against the street rules and walked away from a heated conversation with a fellow 17 year old. He was shot in the back. He ran (that's pure strength) to Gabe's arms and collapsed and met the Lord in a few short moments.
I miss you Billy. I wish I could have talked with you more. I am proud of you and who you became and how you served the Lord.
The kids. There were several kids outside while this happened including 2 of Gabe's children ages 3 and 6. These babies are scared. We had them over on Wednesday night so Gabe and Jackie could catch up on some sleep and attend a few things in honor of Billy. While they were here it hurt my heart to see their innocence lost. To see terror wash over them every time someone walked by in a white T Shirt or a loud noise let out in the air. All 5 of them are processing their grief and trauma in a different way.
If Billy were here he'd hug them and say "don't worry big brother's taking care of you." But their Billy is gone.
In honor of Billy around 200 people gathered in the Villa to pray for peace. God does wonderful things in the midst of darkness. On Thursday night several hundred people gathered to speak with the Mayor about stopping violence in North Portland. Again, God brings beauty from ashes.
Billy's amazing life will not be forgotten. A strong young teen turning into a man and he achieved manhood as a son of God.
His neighbors brought him. Gabe, Jackie and their 5 children. They are a glowing example of the love of God and have befriended Billy like family. Nick and I have known Gabe since the first week we moved here and have gradually gotten to know the rest of the family including Billy.
Here is what I know about Billy's death. He stood up for what was right. He rose against the street rules and walked away from a heated conversation with a fellow 17 year old. He was shot in the back. He ran (that's pure strength) to Gabe's arms and collapsed and met the Lord in a few short moments.
I miss you Billy. I wish I could have talked with you more. I am proud of you and who you became and how you served the Lord.
The kids. There were several kids outside while this happened including 2 of Gabe's children ages 3 and 6. These babies are scared. We had them over on Wednesday night so Gabe and Jackie could catch up on some sleep and attend a few things in honor of Billy. While they were here it hurt my heart to see their innocence lost. To see terror wash over them every time someone walked by in a white T Shirt or a loud noise let out in the air. All 5 of them are processing their grief and trauma in a different way.
If Billy were here he'd hug them and say "don't worry big brother's taking care of you." But their Billy is gone.
In honor of Billy around 200 people gathered in the Villa to pray for peace. God does wonderful things in the midst of darkness. On Thursday night several hundred people gathered to speak with the Mayor about stopping violence in North Portland. Again, God brings beauty from ashes.
Billy's amazing life will not be forgotten. A strong young teen turning into a man and he achieved manhood as a son of God.
June 28, 2010 at 3:14 PM
I am so sorry, Mandy. Peace be with you...
June 29, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Wow, Mandy. How sad - for the family. For those children. For the neighborhood. But what a testimony that young man's life can and will be for those kids and so many others.