Brothers And Sisters

It was only a few weeks ago that I got to play at a coffee house with my brothers and a friend. That was the first time me and my brothers have ever all played together. There's a big age difference between us. I'm 15 years older than Marr'Lo and 17 years older than Tito. (That's Tito with me in the picture.) We spent almost no time together as they were growing up because most of the time they were on the west coast and I was in Milwaukee. I was married and starting my own family before Tito was out of diapers. (That was a tuff 12 years!)

They invited me to come down and see them. Marr'Lo told me to bring my harps and they would call me up for a few numbers. I think I ended up playing with them about three quarters of the night. Our mom was there. She was so happy to see all three of her sons together. It was really a bonding experience for the three of us.

Just this past Saturday I was able to play again with Marr'Lo and our friend Jodi. Tito had to go to California for Naval training. (He served in Iraq. Now he just goes for his annual training exercises. He'll be back in a couple weeks.) This time I played most of the night. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. And it's great after all these years to really feel like I have a relationship with my brothers. And I know our mom couldn't be happier!

It's really ironic that I am writing about getting close to my brothers at a time when, sadly, my wife is experiencing a rift between her and two of her brothers. It's weird because I was never really part of a close family and her's was always close. It's like things have flip-flopped. Over the last year or so my family has experienced a few deaths which has brought the rest of us closer together. My wife's family, too has had several recent deaths and it seems to be tearing them apart. As believers, Janet and I see all this for what it is: an attack of the enemy to divide and conquer. But we are more than conquerors! We know that we do not battle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12)

To anyone reading this, i say only this: If you have a sibling or siblings that you can't get along with, that you are estranged from, try to find common ground and begin to heal. Pray for restoration between you. If you can't do that or if they want no part of it then do this: Get alone before God. Proclaim that you forgive them. Release every hurt or offence they've given you. Ask the Lord to forgive you for the same. Do everything in your power to never speak ill of them again. (This may not be so easy. If you fail just whisper a 'Lord, forgive me for that' and move on.)

I myself am estranged from my father. I've released him from all those things and I've moved on. I do my best to never talk bad about him. When I do speak of him I try to find the good things. I keep him in prayer always. But the only way for me to truly honor him right now is to stay out of his life. I trust God to work things out. Me trying to make it happen only causes more problems.

So if things seem hopeless in your family relationships, take it to God. He knows what to do. And surround yourself with your spiritual family. Spend time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't isolate yourself. The enemy wants to take you down. There's strength in numbers. I think you get the point.

God's blessings to you all. Until next time....