Finally At Peace

On Friday June 26, 2009 at 3:10 AM, our heavenly father saw fit that the angel on loan to this earth had completed his work and called him home. Brandon suffered from a disease called Refractory CIDP. Evidently, it's a virus that causes the autoimmune system to attack the body. I certainly don't understand it, but I've seen first hand the destruction and debilitation that it causes the body. It's not for the faint of heart.

In Brandon's passing, I felt compelled to write something about how he affected me as a person and as a follower of Christ. You see, I wasn't a close friend to Brandon, I'm not a family member, I wasn't his teacher or any of that. I'm just a regular guy that is an example of the profound Godly effect that Brandon had on so many. Brandon taught me about my self. He helped me to have the ability to see some of the wrongs in my life from seeing the way he positively approached the adversity in his own. Brandon, and his approach to life, had a way of shining a light on things that are trivial in ones life and showing that they are just that - trivial. The hurdles that he had to cross at such a young age were far greater than any that I can imagine in my own life. And Brandon seemed to approach them with a fervor and drive that would rival anyone, and all the while having a good attitude and praising God along the way.

The little time that I was privileged to be with Brandon, and from talking with his family, never once did he ever ask, "why me?" Would I have been that strong given that circumstance? Would I have that much of a Godly mentality as my strength and limbs fail me? Or, did our merciful Lord give Brandon some extra insight that He doesn't bestow on we "normal" people? I believe that God gave something special to my friend Brandon. I choose to believe that in those dark painful drug induced nights, the Lord was speaking directly to Brandon, comforting Brandon, and getting Brandon ready to truly go home. Brandon had a special pipeline directly to our savior. That's where I believe he received his strength, courage, and commitment. He never seemed afraid. He never seemed bitter, and he never seemed to question his faith nor where he was going.

You see, I learned a lot from Brandon Klein. I learned that, at any time, we can be entertaining angels. Brandon was an angel and I've learned that his role in God's kingdom must be an important one. It was more important for God to have Brandon back, than for him to stay here on this earth. Brandon must be helping the Lord ready His kingdom to bring the rest of us home and for that, I'm a bit envious. Brandon also taught me about strength, courage, and being steadfast in my faith. God used Brandon as a vessel to speak to and reach many people. His life, his memory, his testimony and his legacy will forever live on in the many he has so richly effected.

Thank you Lord for the gift that you gave to his family and the many that you touched through the life of Brandon Klein. Through Brandon's temporary suffering, we saw your glory and honor. Through his adversity, we saw your grace and mercy. Through his life, we caught a glimpse of You. Thank you for allowing Brandon to be at peace. Please bless his family and wash your spirit of peace over them as they grieve. Bring them closer to you.

Rest in peace Brandon. From a friend, and one you so deeply affected,

Todd Collins