Today I said goodbye to a brother …

I didn’t ‘lose’ this brother, as I know I’ll see him again one day, with a resurrected body and that big, warm smile that will forever remain etched in my mind.

Today my brother left the chains of this broken world, and all the pain and suffering he endured for so long. Today my brother is free from the cancer that ravaged & destroyed his body. Today my brother is at peace.

Today Jesus welcomed His brother home and met him with open arms, a long embrace, and a smile.

Today Abba Father welcomed His son home and proclaimed, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Several months ago I was a crossroads in my faith. I was deeply struggling with how to ‘put off my old self’ and become the man God wanted me to be. I was troubled by my health struggles, my renewed faith walk, and my path in life. I wasn’t sure where to turn … I didn’t feel like anyone really understood me or the situation I was in. It was in that moment that God directed this brother into my life. It started with a back & forth text exchange (we used to text randomly prior to this), and that exchange turned into a (2) hour phone call. I literally stood in the parking lot at work, in the rain, baring my sole to this brother. He ‘got me’ – he understood the faith journey, he understood my struggle with cancer & heart, he understood the doubt, he was the brother I needed in my time of uncertainty.

Needless to say, this brother became a mentor to me. I already had a bond with this brother & his wife from an experience during my prospect days, but through this new journey I drew even closer. Meanwhile, my brother’s own battle with cancer continued, growing at times, almost insurmountable. Brothers from all over the country rallied around my brother, doing what we could, trying to help him & his family in the battle. When I look back, literally, the entire time I knew this man, he was at war with cancer. When I think of someone with a warrior mindset, I think of this man and his loving wife. Well, the battle is now over & it always belongs to God – He remains triumphant.

I learned this morning that one of my brother’s favorite verses is Isaiah 6:8.

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) Isaiah’s Commission – Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

The Lord has been putting this verse on my heart, heavily, over the last several weeks. I feel He is calling me into service as both a Chaplain & Pastor. In fact, I recently ordered a cuff bracelet with this verse inscribed on it, to motivate me. When it arrives, I will wear it as a reminder of my brother … his love, his compassion, his warrior spirit, and his encouragement for me to submit, wholly to God, knowing that He has me right where He wants me & needs me to be.

Bravo Zulu brother on a life well lived, and a legacy well left. I praise God that you are free from the pain & now home peacefully in His arms. I will see you again! Rest easy, we have the watch now. Your wife and children will be safe in our arms & the protection of the Father.