By @TXTrendyChick
TXTrendyChick
Andrew Breitbart. A name that conjures emotions ranging from admiration to disgust. An activist who single-handedly changed the narrative. A man who served as a beacon for some and a target for others. Someone who knew who he was and sought to help others find themselves. A catalyst. A force. A husband and father. An ally and mentor. A friend, who was taken too soon.
I say it was “too soon,” but who am I to judge God’s plan? Because of my faith, I believe everything happens for a reason.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.”
Every thing, whether it’s good or bad, unforeseen or predictable, has a design and reason, even if we don’t understand it. Proverbs 3:5 teaches that we should not lean on our own understanding and, in so many cases, we cannot because no such understanding will ever exist.
While he was living, Andrew taught me to be strong in my convictions and bold in my actions. He constantly reminded me that doing what is right is rarely easy, but it’s well-worth the effort. I learned from his example that coming away unscathed was rarely an option, but success was the best salve. It isn’t enough to be told these things or to see others do them, but you have to live them; watching from the sidelines is not productive.
It isn’t in my nature to confront a protest line or rollerblade through a hostile crowd. I’m not one to let epithets roll off my back, nor am I inclined to engage in confrontational situations. However, like Andrew, I have a passion for truth, justice, and freedom, so I pursue them. I’d like to think my contributions would make Andrew proud, even if they aren’t exactly what he would do.
I miss him terribly, but he isn’t lost to the pages of history. Andrew Breitbart is an ember in our hearts, still glowing, waiting for more fuel so it can burn brighter and there’s plenty of fuel to be found, too: media bias, corrupt politicians, a disjointed party, union thuggery, secrets, cover-ups, intimidation, waste, and lies, all waiting to be exposed and addressed. It’s the nature of the world we live in and, for those of us who choose to be in conservative politics, it’s the reason we do what we do. We cannot sit idly by and wait for someone else to lead the charge. There will never be another Andrew, but there will always be an Andrew spark residing in those who knew him, who respected him, and who recognize that one person really can change things.
So go forth, happy warriors, and take your place in the world. Pick up the torch and fight the good fight, remembering that Andrew is with us in spirit. Live each day with the expectation of making a difference; changes are not made by thinking, but by doing. We exchange our time here on earth for what will become our legacy, so seize every opportunity for betterment. Live like Andrew did, with purpose and courage – it’s the best way to honor his memory.
