Please allow me to share a brief, personal story with you as we remember a wonderful human being and a champion of Washington state families.
Let me start by saying that, at first glance, the road that led to my position as director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington may seem a paradox to some, I being one who has led a far from perfect life, unfortunately having done many things in my past that contradict what I now stand against.
The darkest days of my life came some 15 years ago on the heels of some devastating personal failures. As someone who had always been competitive and proud, I had been used to “winning” in life, it seemed, at least up to that point. Having greatly disappointed my parents and extended family, the shame I felt in those dark days overwhelmed me. It seemed my life was a shambles and beyond repair.
However, all was not lost and never is for those who believe. I had the good fortune at that time of living in close proximity to a wonderful Christian couple who had befriended me a couple of years before at a political meeting. They were terrific people who were fast becoming very good friends in spite of my failures. The godly influence and inspiration that state Sen. Ellen Craswell and her husband, Bruce, would bring to me in the coming years was something so powerful in my life’s direction that I cannot do it justice by describing it in a few short paragraphs.
It was during this most difficult time that I finally made a peace with God and gave my life — my whole life — to Jesus Christ. From that point on, my life has been characterized by personal and spiritual growth, increased maturity, self-control and a strong sense of purpose.
As I became a “regular” at the Craswells’ ongoing Bible studies and political meetings, Ellen and Bruce continued to lift me up, dust me off, and assure me that the Lord could use anyone for His cause and that He could even use my failures to make me a better man. In my life, I have never met two people with more optimism, energy and passion for Christian living and political activism than Ellen and Bruce.
I will never forget the role that Ellen played in my personal redemption and return to the faith that my parents had instilled in me as a young man. As I look back on my life, the parts of my past that I’m most ashamed of have served to solidify my belief in the importance of family and refine my conviction that the institution of one man, one woman marriage is sacred, and worth fighting for.
Ellen Craswell was a patriot who worked diligently in her political life to defend our state and culture from those who would destroy it. She is one of the only Washington state legislators (and maybe the last) who would actually read every bill in front of her — a daunting task! She inspired a generation of conservatives to get active in government and the political process.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Ellen will never forget her grace and dignity. She had a genuine love for her fellow man, whether they be friend or foe. Her character, love of life, and sense of humor is the stuff of legends. It never mattered to Ellen where you had come from, she cared only about where you were going. She is a role model for the ages.
On April 4, I saw her for the last time. As she lay on her deathbed, there was a radiance about her that reflected the peace of knowing she would soon be in heaven.
May we all strive to live life as well as Ellen Craswell did, and may she always be honored and remembered as a defender of the faith and a champion of Washington state families.
Larry Stickney is executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington.
A public memorial service celebrating Ellen Craswell’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Memorial Church, 18901 8th Ave. NE, Poulsbo. A reception will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall.
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