"A Strange Freedom" (H. Thurman) Brandon Jamal Rashada born 11/24/2004 - passed 09/02/2024. The precious moment of Life is truly held in the beginning and felt throughout one's journey, but only realized at one's end. For Brandon, God's purpose for him was held in his tenacious approach to Life. Brandon was always "running, jumping, playing, and fulfilling his purpose at a very early age. He captured the essence of God's Spirit for him and gracefully shared it with his siblings, friends, parents, and those that God brought near him on his journey. Brandon's "One Life to Life" was expressed in his exuberance and passionate compassion for others. Brandon was a joy to his parents (Fabian and Kelly Rashada; as well as, his grandfather Clarence Rashada), but an inspiration to those whose lives would intersect with his on the playground of Life. Brandon was always true to God's "call" and "purpose" for his life. Brandon simply exuded comfort, and passion for everything that he did, which gave those around him a joyously triumphant encounter with the Spirit of God in him. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11) Brandon's walk was upright; while some may not understand such a "blamelessness" in a youthful spirit that was inherently the gift in Brandon, God created him for such a purpose. Brandon "purposefully" showed empathy for other children; whether it was leading his siblings or being called out of class by his teachers to minister to other children ("special needs children / exceptional children); he did so with ease of mind while bringing out the "calm" in those children. Brandon's journey was filled "accounting"; as the eldest child, he led his siblings, he showed the ultimate patience and compassion to his siblings friends as a leader, as a student he comforted other children, as an athlete he was the eye of his 'coaches" hearts, as a child of his parents he soared to new heights of glory, and as a Child of god he exemplified a big heart of gold. He will always have the biggest heart on the playground for those he encounters on his journey home. This child of God "Brandon Jamal Rashada" cast an enormous smile upon those around him, he illuminated their light as he attracted many to "the tent of Life." Brandon "never met a stranger"; as life migrated to him, he continued his forward journey to God. With such "calm" and "patient" demeanor; one can only applaud Brandon for his resilience, courage, tenacity, and Love for God, his family, his fellow man, and especially his beloved 3 year old daughter Evelyn. As Life would shield Brandon from many toils, trials, tribulations, and dangers; however, he was not shielded from his "calling" to be a son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, grandson, or father. He was remarkable with his daughter, they shared an unbreakable bond, joy, and love. Father and daughter were pure joy. When the pure at heart come together God's Love is truly magnified within His purpose for His children. ( Brandon & Evelyn) She will forever remind us of the joy, love, and passionate compassion that Brandon brought to the world of men and God. Brandon was a remarkably "calm" young man, he was very astute with his "feelings" for Life: he always exhibited a breath of freshness for those who God placed in his journey-path to Glory. During his lifetime he easily ran his "race" as he was "blessed" to run it. Brandon's love for Life was also found in his love of music. Favorites can sometimes appear to be an anomaly, but Brandon's love for God was "life imitating life" in the song by "Lil Baby" "Catch the Sun". "The Lord God Almighty reminds us that He would only be here for a little while, and then be gone..."; although, Brandon was seemingly only here for a little while, he left an indelible spirit. "Draw me away!" "We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. we will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you. I am dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar. Like the curtains of Solomon. Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has turned me...." (Song of Solomon 1:4-6) Brandon kept his pace and purpose for his own race. "The race is not to the swift, but to those who endureth to the end." ("I returned and saw under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,... Ecclesiastes 9:11) It is a "strange freedom" to be adrift in the world of men, to act with no accounting, to go nameless up and down the streets of other minds where no salutation greets and no sign is given to mark the place one calls one's' own." (Howard Thurmon, from The Inward Journey") Brandon was our own and his race was his own with full accounting thereof. Now that Brandon Jamal Rashada is receiving his ultimate award, the gift of "Eternal Life", we must remember his earthly award was the "blessings" (spirit) he received and shared with others; joy and the prowess to emancipate others spirits in their time of despair. The space in time that Brandon filled was beautiful. As we reflect on Brandon's life, let us be reminded of our affectionate recall of his memory; he was a "sneakerhead". There was not a sneaker made that he did not like; especially NIKE. As a football and basketball athlete he always followed NIKE and their influence mantra "Just Do It!" Brandon's race as the "Influencer" of life "Just Did It", exhibiting his love and passion for others, L.S.U. and Texas Tech. He truly enjoyed the music of "Lil Baby", Brandon Jamal Rashada was also "Ready" for his race and ultimate journey. Although there was no particular lane for him to run his race in, "he ran a good race and fought the good fight", he transcended the norms of life early and now Brandon Jamal Rashada can "Catch the Sun"! Amen "For The Lord is my Shepherd; For I shall not want, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. he restoreth my soul. He leads me to the path of righteousness. For His namesake. Yea though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil. For He is with me. His rod and His staff comforted me. He preparest a table before me and anointed my head with oil and my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall not forsake me, For I shall dwell in the house of The Lord forever and ever. Amen!