Our chancellor here at Liberty, Jerry Falwell, died this afternoon around 12:30. He was 73....and I don't know much of what else I can say. I'm in shock, I'm bawling without tears, I'm finally understanding what people mean when they say they are numb...
Sean and I had just eaten lunch and i was on my way back to the room when Sean called me. I picked up, and he informed me that Jerry had collapsed in his office and was unconscious. A little bit later, after I had informed mom and Kaz, Sean called back to let me know that Jerry had died.
At first I wasn't sure I had heard correctly, but eventually news spread throughout the hall and we all were in disbelief. Sean called back a 3rd time to share that there was a prayer vigil/news conference at 2pm. It was 1:40. I asked him to pick me up.
5 minutes later, Sean calls. He's stuck in gridlock. I told him to walk, because I know how much Jerry meant to him. I start running and arrive at the church in about 15 minutes - which usually takes me 25 or so to walk. We sat together as Dr. Godwin declared publicly Jerry's death.
We as students are all in shock. How could such an amazing, on-fire man be gone? We prayed for his family, as well as for each other. The church, Thomas Road (www.trbc.org) was packed to the hilt. Everyone crammed together and many people stood just to see. It was short, but much needed.
Sean and I took the bus...he missed his stop and rode with me to my dorm. I stopped crying long enough to leave my room to go to the restroom, and once my roommates came in, but I don't know how long that will last.
Right now I just want to go curl up with God's word and a teddy bear and cry. I don't know how I will get through the last 3 finals I have. I pray that God gives me....gives our campus, this community of Lynchburg...the courage to get through it all.
I ask anyone that reads this to pray. Pray hard for our community. Pray that we become stronger through this. I can just picture Jerry now, walking about the glimmering streets of heaven, laughing and talking with Jesus, his best friend.....
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