Brothers

When our first born became a prodigal 5 years ago, not only did Keith and I lose a son for a time, but our younger one Chris, lost a brother as well.  We were all very close until Tim turned 18, changed, and left.  The three of us were left empty, numb, and at times angry.  Keith and I had each other and Christopher had us but it wasn’t the same.  He needed that camaraderie that he had been used to having, now from his peers.

Keith and I hit the ground on our knees asking God to bring a good friend into  Christopher’s life.  And just like God, He did one better.  Chris, from the time since losing his brother, had not 1, not 2, but 14 brothers!  Christopher was led to a small bible study group.  I told someone these were not normal teen boys.  Oh yes, they are teen-age boys who do boy things ~ work out, play hard, burp and other noisy activities, they act goofy when appropriate.  But they also have a maturity beyond most of their peers.  These are God-seeking, God-honoring teen boys who took our son in like a brother, and we watched him bloom into a more confident, happy kid once again.

They play together, study God’s Word together, worship and pray together.  They’ve camped together, built fires, shot guns, played with spears, gone to camps, on mission trips, watched movies, played games and probably other stuff a mom doesn’t need to know about.  But I know it's all good, clean fun…right boys?  Yes, because they all have that new heart we receive when we’ve invited Jesus in, and they take it seriously.  It’s not a game to them.

When one of the boys mother lay in the hospital dying, all the rest of them were up there with the son for hours each day. . .commitment and brotherly love

Christopher gave his testimony at summer camp and in Scotland. . .boldness from a quiet one

Christopher wrote and preached sermonettes for youth group. . .bravery, confidence

These boys brought a sense of belonging. . .gave fun back into our son’s life.

Families are important and Satan knows that and will do whatever he can to tear them apart.  And it may seem like he’s accomplishing that for a time.  But God doesn’t leave us hanging.  “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41;10

Christopher cried out to Him one dark and lonely night and God bent down and heard.  He answered.  He brought him up out of a pit and gave him a gift. . .a band of brothers.

Keith and I will be forever grateful for this answered prayer, to each of these boys, and to the parents who raised them.  And this gives us hope that our other prayer will be answered one day for the blood brother to return all the way.

Hats off  to the  KWG!  May God bless each and every one of you as you go on your way to new paths and adventures.

(Christopher is on the bottom row, 2nd from left, darker blue t-shirt)