Funny how life comes around. One moment, we’re happily laughing at Anime Expo as so many of our friends are dressed as Power Rangers, planning next year’s big event and run around. And now, that will never happen because, the know-it-all is gone. One of the constant reminders to glorify God with all we have, despite how others may perceive it, is gone.
Justin Chang, a man of great volume though little words. When I first met him, he made me laugh. He was trying to tell a joke, and his vocabulary was that of a new English speaker’s, and I had to laugh. And he took my laughter as laughing at his joke, and started to laugh. And as he kept talking and laughing, I kept laughing, harder and harder. That’s the thing about Justin Chang; he never took offense, always helping those around him feel more comfortable regardless the situation. He was the buddy and the best friend to all the guys, and the loving brother to all the sisters, always caring for our well-being and comfort.
He used to always say, “Praise the Lord,” with such conviction, I felt the spirit moving through his words. And when he worshiped, many can say they know how to worship God and become undignified, but, in my opinion, Justin invented charismatic worship. Always with arms raised high, giving glory to God and singing at the top of his lungs, Justin was a true worshiper that worshipped from the bottom of his soul, for God and God alone. There has never been another like him. To worship with such abandon of other’s judgment; Justin was known for his pride in being a “Jesus Freak”.
Always with a smiling face and chuckling, when confronted about people with opinions against him, he would shrug it off and say, “I don’t care. So what? I don’t care.” And though he said it, I saw he was hurt by the judgment of others. I always made it a point to be not as social awkward around him. But when I found out he was interested in Naruto and other Animes, we found our common ground. He spoiled it when I hoped for and enjoyed watching our friends dress up at Anime Expo. He would shake his head but smile all the while. It was child’s play, but fun.
I remember Justin being a true man of God and unashamed of the gospel. A truly loved and sorely missed brother, friend, and genius, all the way!
