Tragedy can take many forms. This past weekend, a family and a community experienced it firsthand when a well-known young man was killed in a motorcycle accident. Most of you reading this are already aware that 32-year-old Brad Estenson tragically lost his life in that accident.
Let me share a quick story. When my wife and I entered the ministry in late 2001 here in Brownfield, we had no idea where the Holy Spirit would lead us. In 2002, during a Wednesday night service at the church, the pastors at that time were Chris and Amy Jones. They brought their two sons to youth group, along with an extra young man. That young man was Brad—a skinny little guy who wasn’t even a teenager yet. He was certainly inquisitive, talkative, and very respectful. Brad was a good guy!
In 2003, we entered full-time ministry and left the Brownfield area for six years. We returned in 2009 and ended up living next door to Brad’s paternal grandparents. During our six-month stay in that house, we saw Brad several times. Each time we encountered him, he was usually helping his grandad with various tasks. By this time he was a teenager full of energy. Brad was a good guy!
Fast forward to when we moved to Lubbock, and I still ran into Brad, who kept getting taller and bigger. No matter what, he always had a smile on his face and remained respectful—a truly good guy. After that, we moved again, this time to Sweetwater, to take on a pastoral role. Fast forward to 2015: we moved back and ended up living across the street from Brad’s grandparents. They were among the first people I visited to say hello. Over the past nearly ten years, I have encountered Brad several times, and sometimes his wife, Tori, would be with him. Our conversations were always simple; we would laugh, smile, and say, “Have a good day” or “Be blessed.” Brad was a really good man!
I’ve been looking at social media, and the outpouring of love and condolences for Brad’s family is a testament to who he was. While I didn’t know him as well as some of you reading this, I recognize that many of you were very close to him. Through reading your posts, Brad was a good man!
I find how wonderful it is when people in our part of the world really stand in the gap and bless those who have lost a loved one. You are top-notch, grade-A people!
I’m reminded of the scripture Psalm 23:4, where King David says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
David points out that deep valleys, dark shadows, and death are all inevitable parts of our reality. He invites you to believe that amidst every season of life… we should trust Jesus, as pain is an unavoidable aspect of the human experience. It is a consequence of living in a fallen world and simply being alive. While it’s not easy, at times, this pain serves as a reminder that we are alive. At the same time, Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This suggests that perhaps in our deepest, darkest valleys and in the shadow of death… The Lord is right here close to us.
In those moments… Jesus is most present and most available. It’s like I’m saying, “Lord, I need you to lead the way… because I have no idea where I’m going, how to handle this, what to look for, or how to make this journey.” The Good Lord knows where to take the sheep before he leads them. He’s not an aimless wanderer; he is a Good Shepherd.
When tragedy hits, we want to respond to God by saying, “Lord, if you’re good, if your all present, if you’re in charge, then how could this happen?” Those are fair questions. I do believe the Lord might respond, “No, no, no! It’s specifically because I’m good, in charge, and powerful… and because I know the path and have walked it before you… that I lead you through these valleys!” After experiencing hardships, we might find ourselves saying, “God, you did something profound in me that could never have happened without that trial, that sorrow, that hardship. You were good throughout it all!”
To walk with Jesus, we must maintain the mindset that our faith in Christ endures, even in times of tragedy. It’s important to recognize that pain is a natural part of life. However, we don’t have to face that pain alone. Therefore, we pray for Tori and her family, covering them with love and hope. We believe that strength will be granted to them, along with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
As for Brad, well, I personally believe he is worshipping the King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, The Prince of Peace, The Great I am!
Brad Estenson was a good man!
If you would like to help Tori and the family, here is a Venmo link:
