My brother will be attending the Freedom Immersion that my church is doing in Tempe which is actually taking place at the church I grew up in, and where my mom works and still attends. In fact, it will be in the same building where I was on Student Ministries staff for a short time. The same church that originally helped plant the seed that has led me to where I am today. If you know my story, than you would know that this is somewhat idyllic and ironic at the same time.
Regressing, to my first sentence, this paragraph; my brother will be attending. Amen. My brother and I have been through a lot together - from hiding atop our bunk bed while our parents fought it out, to fist-fights and beyond. I was there when both of his children were born, and he has always been there for me. Without a doubt, he has been there. Through my roughest of times, and through my proudest, he was there. He is a man to admire. A father and husband before all, but a brother second to none.
It's been a journey- his life.
Born with a hole in his heart, he survived. Abandoned by his own Father by the time he was one, he was raised by another who didn't do much better. But he persevered. He always has.
Lately, I've seen something different in him. I've seen a light in Him that can only be produced from the one true light. You see, my story is miracle, truly. I've been to hell and back. Literally, from the deepest, darkest recesses of sin, to knowing glory upon glory. From trying to commit suicide to breathing life into others, from addictions to freedom, and crime to justice. Marc, has traveled a different path. He has always been a noble man full of integrity and grit. One who never steeped to the lower levels of worldly pursuits and pleasures to the degree that I have. He works harder than anyone I have ever met. But there has been something missing...something that I see a hunger growing for within his soul. Something that he inherited over two-thousand years ago. An intimate relationship with a father that will never abandon him ever.
The thing is, I know this is the missing piece in his life. I know him as a man, and I know that he needs more of Jesus. I know that there is nothing that he cant accomplish with Him in his life. I don't believe in biblical teaching that promotes prosperity, health, and financial growth through the gospel. I know that Jesus actually implies that a relationship with Him doesn't make our life any easier. But I also know, that he fills our life with purpose and hope. He gives us joy and love beyond words and reasoning. And I know that he heals hearts and performs miracles.
I have a heart for anyone who doesn't know Jesus. I want to reach them. I want to love them. I want God to encounter them in ways that seem impossible. However, I want Jesus to reach my brothers heart first and foremost. A growing ministry, loving friends, and sunshine in Washington are great, but nothing would be as great as a brother who is transformed by Christ. He is such a man to be admired now, I can only imagine how amazing he would be as a disciple. He is a father better than most, but I can only imagine the father he will be. He is a husband with a heart, but I can imagine the husband he will be. He is a brother beyond words, but I can only imagine...
I love you Marc.
I can't wait to see you.
And...
I cant wait to see what God does in you.
