The Shadow of Death

Even though I grew up outside one of Central America’s most violent cities, I was never touched by the violence until Guillermo disappeared. Though shaken, I stayed calm, fully expecting my friend to be found unharmed because ‘in all things God works for the good of those who love him’ (Romans 8:28, NIV). So when I heard he was dead, I could not believe the news. Surely God would never let anything happen to Guillermo, the inspiring worship leader and thoughtful friend whose 20th birthday was just around the corner; Guillermo, who kept in touch with me after I moved far away; Guillermo, who noticed and told me I looked pretty the first time I ever wore make-up. Now I was putting on make-up for his funeral.

That funeral was the most powerful, beautiful event I had ever experienced. Guillermo touched so many lives by living unreservedly for God. Now, through his death, we who knew him were challenged to follow his world-changing example.

The promise in Romans 8:28 is still true. Guillermo is more alive now than he ever was on this earth, and many people are living with a new sense of purpose. At the time we did not understand, but God really was working for good.