Heroes: Brian Carderelli 1984-2010
Ever since I was kid, I have been blown away by the stories of heroes in the Bible. There are too many to number. Hero is defined as “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities” (dictionary.com). The most impacting heroes that have shaped me have been those who radically followed God at a young age–Joseph, Gideon, Josiah, David, Daniel…Brian Carderelli, 25.
On August 5th, a family of heroes suffered the loss of their son and brother. This is not your ordinary family. In a time when church goers have allowed their beliefs to be sequestered and held captive by American churchiosity (I stand guilty), this family has taken the teachings of Jesus seriously. I am often asked by parents of teenagers just how they can equip their sons and daughters with a Christian worldview. My response has been and will continue to be the same…”Be a Christian worldview before you teach a Christian worldview!”
That is what Mike & Sharon Carderelli have done. They knew that what Jesus taught is true and cannot be stopped, but must be obeyed no matter what the cost. They make me want to love God more through radical obedience. They have also built a family who live that as well, following their example. Their children are a reflection of their passion to know God and make Him known, worldwide! They are two of my heroes. They cared for our oldest daughter until our “gotcha day” arrived and Sharon placed her in my arms for the first time. I pray that my daughters will be like their kids.
Their son Brian lost his life serving God and loving people radically, on August 5, 2010. After I watched a memorial video that his uncle produced using many of the pictures that Bryan had taken (Brian was a talented videographer), I was reminded of these words from Hebrews 11: 38-40 (HCSB).
The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.
Brian produced two videos this past year that you can view here.
Brian Carderelli Memorial Video
