Armani 'Rip Gram' Ford
“What Have We Learned“ by Aunt Jamie Hicks
It’s been ONE year on April 26, 2020 since Armani 'Rip Gram' Ford departed from this earth and what have we learned:
Life is but a vapor and everyone has a time stamp whether you’re ready or not.
You can still grow and find triumphs while going thru the stages of grief.
Your values get radically rearranged. You learn that people are way more important than material things, accomplishments, and success.
Life is significant, has meaning and purpose. We have to teach this to our children, otherwise they will continue to slaughter for the sake of envy and greed, significance, and lack thereof.
A patient spirit is better than a proud spirit b/c anger abides in the hearts of fools. Patience will have its perfect work, if you let it.
We are needy people, meaning we need people and we need God! God’s Grace is sufficient to get us thru even the most difficult times and will keep you from loosing your mind. It’s ok to seek professional help.
Grief has precious uniqueness and looks different for everyone. We are both wonderfully made and complex. God created the process and He isn’t shocked or surprised by your unpredictable responses. Gods Grace is sufficient and will get you thru. Psalm 6:2-3
You can’t always count on people, and most times not even yourself. You can’t expect people to fulfill your needs the way that’s suitable for closure and comfort. Only a Matchless All Knowing God can do that. After all it’s been a year and still no arrests.
I learned that I cannot fight spiritual battles with the flesh. I can’t control the people’s responses, or choices. We are facing a culture that has believed the lies of Satan, embraces them, and wears them as idols around their necks of pride. When you already know who wins, you work backwards, from a position of victory, and certainty. This is why I won’t loose hope.
Unforgiveness holds you hostage, and releasing the offender allows you to operate with freedom in your journey to healing. Forgiveness doesn’t make you weak. It breaks the strongholds and cycles that keeps us bound. We live in a broken world, with broken people living broken lives. Understanding this helps your resolve, and allows you to love with compassion and purpose.
My prayer is for the young men and women that were involved and their families. I hope this time of shut down has allowed you to re-evaluate. We don’t know the day or hour when Jesus will crack the sky. Will you be ready? We can see that we are closer than ever before, as the chain of events unfold. God’s Grace is sufficient, and available for all. The choice is yours.
To our family and friends that are remembering this day last year, you can get thru this, I promise. God will give you a peace that will surpass your understanding... just ask.
I luv you!
Salute