D.I.P., Ian Ullstrom

Dance In Praise, Ian.

When I was working a few years back, I tried to share Jesus with this coworker I had. Man, Ian, I seriously tried to share with her everything I could- my personal testimony, biblical evidence, what Jesus could do for you. EVERYTHING. Nothing moved her.

But she said something to me that I never forgot. Ian, check this out. She goes, "There is one thing I admire about you Christians. I noticed that when loved ones die, you guys are happy! You guys have this peace and comfort when your loved one dies. I wish I could have that."

When we found out a month ago that your sickness was terminal, I remember, I was driving, and Monica read me the email from her phone. I just started weeping there in the car as I was driving. Monica sat there as I drove and sobbed.

There's nothing good in death, Ian. Nothing at all. There's nothing to rejoice in. Death was the scheme of Satan. Death is the power of evil one. There's nothing to be happy about.

But it's because of the resurrection that we can get up and DANCE! It's because He is Risen that I know you are alive! It's because of the resurrection that we can say "Praise the Lord!" And it's because He is Risen that you don't have to just "rest in peace", but that you can rise up and D.ance I.n P.raise! It actually made me smile when we got the email two weeks ago that you had passed on to be with the King!

I heard that your memorial was AMAZING! Carmen sent us news today that almost every single person who shared that day talked about how you NEVER blamed God and never focused on your suffering, but you just looked forward to Jesus. That made me so proud of you. For a teenager, you had a better handle on Life than many mature Christians I know. You make me smile bro.

Go on Brother, let me see you Tootsie Roll. Now D.I.P, baby, D.I.P.!