Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

In Week 8 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks for Ed Hardy.

I don't believe I've ever had a conversation with Ed Hardy. But, his life spoke volumes to me.

Ed Hardy and I both attended Mississippi State and though I'm not sure we even had one class together, he was somehow always on my radar -someone I took notice of around campus and watched from a distance for years.

This was during a time in my life when I was utterly lost, worldly and grappling with my own identity. While I was floundering, deeply insecure and pathetically trying to live out some fantasy I had seen in BET music videos, Ed was anchored. I observed him to be purposed, diligent, studious, friendly and honorable in all his dealings. There was a firm "uprightness" about him that was seemingly apparent to everyone, so much so that there was a widespread rumor that he and a young lady who were allegedly "talking" parted ways because he refused to have sex before marriage. As people talked about that, they laughed. I laughed. But for reasons I couldn't explain then, I deeply respected him. I wanted to be like him but simply lacked the Strength and courage to do so.

What I've come to understand, is that Ed Hardy's extraordinary walk, resolve and strength come directly from his relationship with Jesus. I don't have to talk to him to know that. To this day, I admire how he lives out his faith as a husband and father. (There's a lot of things you can fake but the countenance of your wife and family aren't among them.) Since before I had a relationship with Christ, when I was in sin, Ed Hardy modeled a more excellent way. God used his life to demonstrate to me that by His grace, better was possible. I'm thankful. #52WoG