John Ryan Dennison

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Brian Forester on November 30, 2006:

Ryan had a forceful impact on my life, and in the short 5 years that I had the privilege of calling him friend and brother, he showed me the definition of living a life well lived. The example he set will resonate with me for the rest of my life. Lessons I have learned from Denny's life: 1) Love one another. In everything you do, exhibit love. Whether it is in the way you greet someone, words of encouragement you provide when your friend is going through a tough time, or some unseen favor you do that people will never know about, we should strive to live the commandment of "love your neighbor as yourself," not only through words but also deeds. 2) Run with perseverance. Put forth your best effort in everything you do. Challenge yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Try new things and new experiences, and remember that hard work and commitment to a goal bring glory to God. 3) The glass is always half-full. Maintain a positive outlook always. There will be times of trial, but you will overcome. Laugh. Enjoy the humor in everyday life and bring humor into others' lives as well. Your positive attitude is infectious and will influence those around you to see things with a different perspective. 4) Be a servant-leader. Always think of others before yourself, and in doing so, you will be a leader. Your "others-first" attitude will be the glue that holds your team together. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Phil 2:3,4) 5) "Live Free or Die. Death is not the worst of all evils." Live your life with the knowledge of freedom you have in Christ Jesus. With Jesus, we have the hope and peace of knowing our future is secure in God's kingdom. Without Jesus, we are bound by the yoke of slavery, and our only hope is in the future of this world alone. Death comes to us all, but with hope in Christ, it is not an end, but a beginning. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 4:18) Denny, I love you brother and praise God for your life, death, and resurrection because of your belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Well done good and faithful servant. To Haley and the Dennison Family: We are here for you and pray for you always.

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