If I had to describe in one word how Thursday, April 28 made me feel in one word, it would be heavy. The entire state is mourning the tragic loss of four UGA students, and for me personally, it hits close to home. Several of my sorority sisters knew these girls, and Courtney White, the president of Alpha Chi Omega, is from my hometown. She has handled the loss of two sisters with grace and is serving as a walking testimony of Christ’s love to all who surround her.

I didn’t know these young women, yet I unite with others in the grief that comes from the loss of young life. The mark that each of them made on so many people is evident, and I am brought to recognize and consider so much.

I am comforted by knowing that these young women walked together to meet their Creator; He welcomed His daughters home with open arms.

I am completely blown away by the unity that is born out of the communal feelings of grief; as our hearts break for the loved ones of these young women, we are all Georgia Bulldogs, regardless of what university we may attend.

I am amazed by God’s ability to show Himself and His goodness in the midst of tragic circumstances.

I rest in the comfort that death has been defeated by Jesus Christ Himself.

This tragedy reminds me how fragile we are, but even more so, it reiterates the strength of God. This life is fleeting, yet the Eternity that is offered through the love of Jesus Christ is an everlasting reality.

Life is so incredibly beautiful. It can be so incredibly hard, so incredibly heartbreaking, but all the same, it is so incredibly beautiful. These are the times when we realize and thank God that we have those people in our lives who will carry us when we can’t carry ourselves. Through a shoulder to cry on, a friend to reminisce with, a hug that comes at just the right time, we are able to carry burdens that are far too heavy to carry alone.

Today, I will hug my sorority sisters a little tighter.

Today, I will tell my friends just how much they mean to me.

Today, I will call my parents and tell them that I am thankful for their love and support that they never cease to give.

Today, I will put my faith in God and know that He is ever-faithful, ever-loving and everlasting.

Today, I will know that God is unbelievably powerful and perfectly capable of bringing beauty out of the brokenness.

Today, I will pray for the University of Georgia and that those who lost a friend, a daughter and a sister will have the peace that only God can provide.

Today, I will choose to love and see others through love.

Today, I will seek to live a life of purpose.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-13