Take 2

Colossians 1:10-12

Then you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

I still feel weird. I have been more upset than I feel I have any right to feel. I cannot imagine how his family, teammates, and close friends felt. I just listened to the playback of the Cole Cubelic show. A guy just called in and said, 'It's great to hear all these good stories in a time when you hear so many things about athletes.  I think that is the thing about Philip. There isn't really a negative thing to say about him. Oh, how we loved Philip.

The first thing I remember about him was the 2009 Mississippi State game. I wasn't supposed to go but my dad got sick and I went with my mom at the last minute. Tommy Trott wasn't playing that game and Philip made what would become his signature touchdown in the corner of the end zone. I am not sure why he stood out so much.

Later, I believe it was 2010 fan day- we went to Auburn. I did not get to "meet" him that day but we were near him in another line. He pointed to his sign which read 'Phillip Lutzenkirchen' and he cried out, (in fun Philip fashion) " They spelled Luztenkirchen right but got Philip wrong!" I think that was the moment that cemented it for me because I have an unusual last name myself. Of course, it isn't as long as Lutzenkirchen but it is still a name people stammer over.

Of course, there were many moments in 2010 that were incredible  that included Philip. My sister and brother-in-law and I were at the UGA game in 2010. I remember there was so much controversy in the build up to that game. As we were at Tiger Walk waiting for the buses, I had checked twitter. Philip had sent out the funniest tweet defending Cam. It was later deleted, but it was along the lines of  'I wouldn't want to be playing across from an angry Cammy Cam today!'  If I remember correctly, Philip had a pretty awesome game. Most of us remember how Philip wrote Evan's name on his game shoes after the little boy passed away. There are so many moments to cherish and remember. I love how he embraced the Auburn family. For those that got the chance to meet him, even briefly, he gave his undivided attention. It never seemed a bother to him.

There are so many things that we could all go on and on. Everyone who encountered him was a better person. He was an ardent defender of his friends. He stood up for what he believed was right all the time.

I am not an easy cry-er. However, last Monday, when I took the twins to the library special activity, the Mobile Excelsior Band played. They played, 'I'll Fly Away' and I had to leave the room.  I am comforted knowing Philip is in Heaven, rejoicing in glory. No doubt in my mind that Philip was greeted with a well done, my true and faithful servant. We are all sad because we feel he was destined for great things. Philip did his great things in such a short period of time. I still feel it is unfair. However, God had a different plan for Philip.  Philip touched many lives. He walked the walk. Oh yes, he talked about his love for God but his words weren't needed. Philip's actions showed it.

Here is a link to the Excelsior Band, if you are interested  http://excelsior1883.com/

I cannot say anything better than those who have already said it. Jay Jacobs, Coach Malzahn, Gene Chizik have all said amazing, true things about him. I am crushed and heartbroken  for his parents, sisters, teammates and friends. Philip had a reach that was truly amazing. Please join me in continuing to pray for his mom and dad, sisters, and friends.  They will need some prayer support for quite some time.

This is something I wrote about Philip after the 2012 season. I always write a thank you to the seniors.  I can only hope he saw it.

Philip Lutzenkirchen:  I've got an unusual last name, so I always felt sort of connected to you. You've been a shining light at Auburn, both on and off the field. you have demonstrated leadership beyond measure. I was sick when I heard you were out for the rest of the season! I hope you heal quickly and are able to move on to the things you want to do. There are so many favorite plays of yours, but what I appreciate most from you is the class and leadership and Christian walk you demonstrated at Auburn. (OK, maybe I remember the touchdown at Alabama and the little dance!)  I hope that WONDERFUL things happen for you. I can't wait to hear about you in the future.

Well Done

An amazing person was taken from us early Sunday morning. I have starting trying to write a tribute several times, but keep erasing and starting over. One thing I keep thinking is that Philip never really belonged here. He was a child of our King who had the faith that God asks- the faith of a child.

There are a million good things to say about him.  I first knew that he would be a funny fella when I heard him refer to himself as 'Old Phil Phil'. He turned into one of my favorite Auburn football players of all time. I loved that he let us feel like we knew him well. We were blessed to have him play in the orange and blue. We were blessed to have him here on earth with us, even if it was for just a little while. I know that in that split second when he left this world, he was greeted at the gates of Heaven with a "Well, done, my faithful servant. Well done."

These are some of my favorite things about him-

After the 2010 National Championship game, he did a Q & A on twitter. I asked him if his name fit on his Pee Wee jersey. (Having a peculiar last name myself, I can relate) His answer:  I didn't have a Pee Wee jersey. Mine had to be special ordered.

He quoted the Sandlot AND Mean Girls. (You go, Glen CoCo)

The Woody costume.

His hands were magnets for the football in the endzone.

He stood up for what he thought was right at all times.

Every time a fan asked for a picture, he took it, he smiled and made them feel welcome.

He wrote Evan's name on his shoes.

He let his faith show to everyone. Maybe he didn't say it all the time, (although he did often)but his life and his actions did.

The best thing I know to do for him is to pay it forward. If everyone did something for someone else in his honor, I think he would love it. We don't have to make a list of  the things that we've done- but in our heart, we would know that we had done something to honor him. There are so many ideas- pay for the person behind you in a drive thru, pick up some trash, etc.  I hope you all will join me. Make every day count.