To my brother Rich,
What the enemy meant for harm…
We understand each other as siblings so deeply, always have. Through all the years of our childhood, we held a bond in our hearts. We had a love and closeness that our other siblings envied…
We were moved away at a young age from everything and everyone we knew, from the lush green landscape of Northern Illinois to the dry and dusty desert of Southern Arizona…
We were not even allowed to say goodbye to our closest friends from school and play…
We were moved from a two-story farmhouse to a fourteen foot trailer we called our “house” for the next two years…
Our home was in constant turmoil, leaving us stressed, burdened and bitter. Our parents taught us Christianity with their words, and whole other way of living with their actions…
The abuse we suffered at the hands of those who were most trusted, and in authority over our young lives…
The isolation was draining, especially on us naturally social siblings…
There were good times, though mostly hard times…
Both of us married young, both of us lived through a divorce, brought children into this world, and both of us now walk with our Savior daily!
We made so many mistakes, sinned and fell short of Him so many times…
We’ve disappointed each other, momentarily hated each other, betrayed each other…
We are, however, RESTORED, REDEEMED, REBUILT, RIGHTEOUS IN HIM, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, EXCITED TO BE HIS MINISTERS, and FABULOUS PARENTS (Just ask our kids!)!!!
We are all these things through the unfailing, incredible grace and mercy of our Father and Friend, GOD!!! He brought us back to Him, He blesses us now, and I am so glad I get to share this journey with you, Rich. My stubborn, strong, fiercely loving, kind, faith-filled, and just overall, fantastic brother!
So what the enemy ALWAYS means for harm, Jesus has turned for our good! I love you, Rich.
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