This is a tribute to Munir Loyan Morris, a young member of my family who was killed in a car accident last week. Through my son and his wife, ShaDonna Morris Briggs, now mourning the loss of her beloved brother, I learned that Loyan “was light and love. His infectious smile represented God’s endless love.”
My son, Leon Briggs, said, “Ma, I never met a young man so gifted, talented, and just an all-around good person.” He continued, “Though he was younger than me, I looked up to him. He was an airplane pilot, had been taking lessons for years.”
Let me share with you a little about how this car crash happened. Loyan, 18, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and his University of Maryland Eastern Shore classmate Luke Jason Hawthorne, 18, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, were driving home on Sept. 3 from the class they had taken as airplane pilots in training as part of their college curriculum.
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, driven by Hawthorne, was traveling south on Nassawango Road in Snow Hill, Maryland, when he failed to navigate a curve, causing the truck to leave the roadway. The truck then collided with several trees, resulting in Hawthorne’s death at the scene. Loyan was flown to Tidal Health, where he later died from his injuries.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating the incident, with Lt. Christopher Larmore leading the inquiry.
The two, who had only been members of the UMES student body for two weeks, were remembered by the university’s students, staff and community.
During a prayer I had with my son, I reminded him how each of us came to this earth only for a short time. We are here on assignment, but when our time is up, that’s it — just like when his uncle Leon was killed in 1978. He was only 30 years old and running a successful floor business.
My prayer is now extended to all family members. We pray also for the family of the driver.
For all family members and friends grieving the sudden death of both of these 18-year-old college students, these Scriptures offer comfort and hope through God’s nearness to the brokenhearted, the promise of eternal life, and the promise of ultimate healing.
Comfort in sorrow: Scripture in Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Another Scripture in Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Isaiah 41:10 speaks about not fearing because God is with you, strengthening and helping. And finally, Lamentations 3:32 reminds us that although grief comes, God’s unfailing love brings compassion.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
