Opinion Article By Eric Horton
The community of Brownfield, specifically students and staff of Brownfield ISD is mourning the loss of a teacher. Lorna Wilkins, an English Language Arts teacher at Brownfield High School passed away during a medical emergency at the high school on Wednesday, Aug. 30. I want to commend BISD for canceling Brownfield High School classes on Wednesday and Thursday. In fact the football squad and other sports canceled practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Again… very commendable.
Now I did not personally know this lady, I’ve seen her before, but did not know her like her students, former students, and co-workers. I do know in the past 24-36 hours since her death, there have been nothing but positive stories and all I’ve heard is positive things about her. Cherishing memories of those who impact us is very important. Also at the same time, the traumatic situation that some were found in will have a different impact. There were staff who did CPR, and students who were there to witness this event. Certainly not what anyone thought they would be waking up to that day.
I’m reminded of King Solomons’s words in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, specifically verses 2 & 4
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
According to God Almighty, there is a time for everything! Life can change in the blink of an eye, and no doubt that happened for many on Wednesday morning. We can ask the question, “Why has this happened?” However, we should know there is no one who can give an adequate or suitable response. Because… no one knows, only God. When someone passes away unexpectedly, it will fracture and wreck our plans and it surely causes pain.
We can also make statements like, “What a tragedy!” “What a misfortune!” “The family!”… the list can go on with statements like these. Although death can be a messy, painful, and difficult circumstance, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a tragedy. We all understand that death is inevitable for us all, however, real tragedy comes for those who are unprepared. The truth is we will all face death and we don’t get that choice or even when we will face death. Only faith in Christ is how we can make sure that our death is a triumph, not a tragedy. From what I’ve been told, Lorna knew Christ… had a relationship with her Savior. That should make all of us feel great because although she passed from this earth, her spirit is resting with Jesus!
Whatever you are feeling today, I want to encourage you to take it to God. God is so big! He is big enough to handle your pain, your hurt, your grief, and even your anger. One thing is for sure, We don’t know the time or day, so be prepared!
James 4:13-14 tells us this: 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (NKJV)
Continue to pray for those impacted by this situation… Love your loved ones more often… Take time to reflect…
