Why "Have Heart?"

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (emphasis added). (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Our son had a saying that has come to mean even more to us since his passing: “Have heart.” Josiah lived his earthly life to the fullest. He enjoyed being a young man, and he loved Jesus. He encouraged others to have heart when life threw obstacles into their path. Wherever you’re at in your journey, we encourage you to have heart.

Our son wanted a tattoo placed over his heart that simply said, “Have.” It would have been his way of encouraging himself and others to constantly, no matter the circumstances, have heart and keep going. Although Josiah never received that tattoo, many friends and family members remembered his desire and now have those words tattooed on their bodies to continue the message and share Josiah’s story. In a spiritual sense, many more have this written on their hearts. Through this life-changing experience we’ve had to remember our son’s wise counsel, and we encourage you to do the same, in spite of all the pain, anger, frustration, and hopelessness you may be feeling right now. Have heart, Christian—God loves you, His Word is true, and He is very good. Have heart—one day you’ll be reunited with your loved one. Have heart—your loved one is more alive and more joyful than ever. Have heart—your loved one’s legacy will continue to live here on earth. Have heart—you are not alone. God is in control, and He is ever present and the Master of turning sorrow into joy. God has given us all a gift—the reality of eternal living in Heaven.