Erwin has often stated that in the wake of September 11th he told Aaron and Mariah, "we cannot choose how we will die, but we can choose how we will live." He realized he could not lie to his children about the dangers in this world and the distinct possibility that they will one day be face-to-face with unspeakable horror and death. But he could help them realize that every day presents new opportunities to live, truly live life to the fullest; to seize every moment of the day as if it were the only one left. Because, truthfully, we don’t know if we will get another. Our next breath may well be our last.

Jerry Falwell discovered that truth this morning. He had an ordinary morning, according to Ron Goodwin, "I had breakfast with him, and he was fine at breakfast," Godwin said. His staff later found him lying on the floor unresponsive and he was pronounced dead a little while later.

I think Erwin was right, but not completely. We not only can choose how we live, we do choose, whether we realize it or not. Those little seemingly insignificant decisions we make every day have the power to alter the course of our lives and shape our character. When crises hit, our character reveals itself in how we respond in action and word, in attitude and deed.

Jerry Falwell was not well-liked. At all. A quick post regarding his death on NiT generated over 50 comments in it’s first two 2 and a half hours, the first one being "prayer really does work." I admit it, I laughed. I didn’t like Falwell either. I didn’t ever agree with his politics or his stance on just about anything other than perhaps John 3:16. I felt he was an embarrassment to any thinking Christian and an insult to every thinking person. I realize others saw something else in him, but all I saw was a pompous ass bent on forcing his particular brand of Christianity on America.

Jerry Falwell’s life was not a life well-lived. Yes, he amassed wealth and power, especially religious political power. Yes, he built a religious empire there in Virginia. Yes, his name is known and has become synonymous with the word "Christianity" (usually said with disdain and/or contempt). He made a name and reputation for himself. But sadly, it does not reflect the heart of Jesus. And now that he is dead, I dare say the vast majority of America is not the least bit sad to see him go. Not even this sister in Christ.

Isn’t that the saddest thing you ever heard? Truly pitiable. I just saw a press release from another major religious-police figure expressing sadness for Falwell’s family and joy for his home-going (Christian-speak for dyin’ and goin’ to heaven). As I read, all I could think of was the two-faced-ness of author; the disdain and enmity he expressed toward Falwell in private while to the world they kissy-faced all day long. In my heart I don’t believe a single sappy word of that release. I think this religious-policeman is secretly both dancing for joy that his rival/thorn-in-the-side is gone and trembling in fear that he may be next. When he dies not as many people will notice, but probably the same percentage will not weep.

We only have one chance to get it right. I hope I live life well. I hope I continually remember (please Jesus – and friends out there! – remind me!) that every decision I make determines who I become. I don’t want to be a Jerry Falwell. I want to be a Mother Theresa.

Word count: 610 – 110 words over my goal…