If anyone was anticipating a Mountain Top/ Interest Camps post here, that will have to wait. Because during this past week, a friend/brother in Christ passed away tragically at a young age. His name was Narang "David" Kim. But this post is not to mourn a loss, but rather to celebrate a life that was devoted to Jesus Christ.
When I first met David four years ago, I was sort of intimidated by his appearance. He was a bigger guy then and had a frohawk. My good friend Thomas introduced me to him and I really didn't know what to expect. Before I could introduce myself, he already started cracking jokes and then with a big smile, reached out his hand and said "Hi I'm David Kim. Nice to meet you bro." I had only known him for a minute and he used the word "bro" in a sincere way rather than the way someone would use the word "dude." I could tell he was special.
I didn't get to see him as much as I liked over the years, but every time I did, he made me feel special whether he intended to or not. It was hard to be in a bad mood around that bright, big smile. He always had a classiness about him with a hint of sophistication. He was also always dressed well, as if to be prepared for a special occasion to arise at any moment. David was also not afraid to let his heart for Jesus Christ glow.
I don't have that many memories of David because of the little time I knew him, but the ones I have are some of the most precious and bring me to tears when I reflect upon them.
The first one comes from 2010 when some of us Cleveland bros decided to visit the saints in Buffalo, NY. We were all going bowling one night and I had the opportunity to ride with David in his car. We were catching up, talking about life and even how we were doing spiritually. I don't remember much of that conversation, but the one thing I do remember was him telling me of how he gave his atheist friend a bible for his/her birthday. That friend meant so much to him that he was willing to set aside his fears and try to bring this person to the greatest gift man could ever receive: the salvation of Jesus Christ. It took guts to do what he did and at that point in my life, I don't know if I could have done that.
A year or so later, the brothers from Buffalo were coming down to Columbus and decided to stop in Cleveland along the way. We were all hanging out, laughing, joking, talking about guy stuff when someone was explaining what he would do in a situation and David was asked what he would do and he replied with "Just follow the Lord bro. That's it." He took a semi-serious situation and responded in a surprising, but meaningful way. That was David.
The last time I saw him was in August of 2012 at James and Allison's wedding. We were in a circle of friends and were all talking, laughing, and just enjoying the moment. You know the saying "The life of the party?" David was the life of the circle that day.
I also found out that David enjoyed some country music and me, being a big fan of country music am always overjoyed when I know another guy who enjoys it even if it's only a little.
David's heart was big and the amount of love posted on his facebook wall after his passing shows the extent of his love with all the lives he touched. My prayer is that anyone who knew David and you are reading this and you still have not received the Lord Jesus Christ, just look at the life David lived and how his life touched you. That's because he lived the greatest life, the life of Jesus Christ. With that belief, he is now home with the Lord at peace and waiting for the rest of us.
David, my friend, but more importantly brother in Christ, you will be missed greatly, but I shed not tears of sadness but tears of joy knowing that you are truly home and for the life you lived in Christ. Until we meet again my brother, thanks for being able to call me friend.
