Day 51 - August 5 - Big Brother Is Watching
Brad here...
Big brother Brad, doing what big brothers do, which includes making sure that nobody is taking advantage of my little brother, nobody is picking on him, and nobody is treating him badly (except me, but that was years ago).
I read every comment posted on this blog, because I'm the big brother. If somebody comes across as hurtful, mean, or spiteful, I'll pull the plug on that comment, and nobody will get to see it but me. If it gets out of control, I'll turn comment moderation on, and I'll review every comment before it gets posted. If somebody goes on the attack - I'll block their comments. That's what big brothers do.
But I haven't seen that. What I see is a diverse group of people in various stages on the journey that we call 'following Christ'. As J. I. Packer said in "Knowing God" years ago, we are the travelers, on a journey toward God. And I'm grateful to be a tiny part of such a noble mélange, all pointed in the same direction, exploring the road map He left us, figuring out how to best get there. Imagine a group of people seeking absolute truth in a world that proclaims none exists, and you can perhaps sense why I'm glad to be a part of it.
So we travel on. Working out our salvation with fear and trembling, as Paul said. Wrestling with God, seeking comfort in a place where we cannot find answers, but doing so together, not alone.
I have experienced no more honorable display of the calling of the body of Christ in my life, no other place that I would call church, no other place where I have seen God touching so many people.
But I haven't yet seen hurtful, mean, or spiteful.
What I have seen, and read, and prayed over, are the words of fellow travelers that Eric, Cherié, Joélle, and Connor need to hear. Some of them are hard words, but in those hard words are words of truth, and in truth, there is life. They are the words that sharpen the steel of faith in the Williamsons and those that travel with them. This is good. They are words that God has laid on your heart for Eric to hear.
Is this a place where faith and prayer should be debated? I think you would better ask if life was a place where faith and prayer should be debated.
We are journeying together. Speak as brothers and sisters, building each other up, offering a steady hand when someone stumbles, and lifting up the fallen.
We are on a journey, and the journey changes us, but we are still on the journey. Continue to journey with us, and watch God at work.
And I'll go back to doing what big brothers do...
Brad
Watching in Michigan
posted by Brad Williamson @ 8:47 PM
17 Comments
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17 Comments:
Thank you Brad,
Our God is so awesome, it's His love that binds us together, Amen
Thank You for recognizing Love,
Praying in Dwoney
Brad.
Thanks for the words. I have been feeling sick all evening. I've felt like I must of come across in some terrible, self righteous way that was never, never intended. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes knowing that some of the posts were directed at me. I never meant to come across judgemental, discouraging or condeming. This whole thing with Connor has just taken me back and brought up struggles and issues that we had to go through. I know so much of the anguish that a parent goes through and the last thing I would want to do is to make their way harder than it already is. Believe me, they have been an inspiration to me and I've been amazed at so much of what I have read on their blogs. So please, everyone, forgive me if I've caused pain. Trust me when I say I wish that I had never posted that post.
love and prayers.
Charlene
Thank you Brad.
Well said, Big Brother!
All of us are traveling along the same road. When one falls or stumbles, we must all come along side of him and lift him up.
MT
Ch'ville
why people are so caught up in something as trivial as this is beyond me. someone posted something that was on their heart, in the best way they knew to communicate it and everyone else tries to tear them down. focus on your own walk, your own relationship with God and your own "loving" support of this family in tragedy. If folks would worry more about themselves and quite judging others we would all be in a better place. my faith has never seen the likes of this type of tragedy and I pray to God it never does, but if it should happen I hope I am loved and supported by someone so candid and honest as Charlene.
Brad,
Being the oldest of three, I do know about "protecting" my siblings. I have always done that, and will still do that to this day.
I am always blessed when I read the posts and see your name or even Kent's, but sometimes being the oldest can be hard too. Don't you just want to take away the hurt your "baby" brother is going through right now?
When my sister's youngest was so sick in the hospital, I felt so helpless. All my life, I "protected" her, but when it came to seeing my nephew in the hospital bed, there was nothing I could do but pray. Yet, that was the best thing I could ever do for her.
I hope you know (and I am sure you do) that so many people are praying for you all. There is not a Sunday service at West Hills that goes by without someone praying for Connor and your whole family. You are all loved.
May God bless you,
Chelle
I don't see any judging on any of the postings. What I see is discussions. Pure and honest thoughts. I haven't read one post that judged Charlene's comments or thought her post was rude. Charlene, you posted what was laid upon your heart. If that was God's leading then you were being obedient, bless you for that. That takes courage and you showed that you are not afraid to speak what burdens your heart. Amen, to that. Don't see any "tearing down" here.......
The ConnorWatch blog and ALL of the posts have been nothing but inspirational and educational to me, as well as incredibly helpful in bringing me closer to God through prayer. I am honored and blessed to have become a member of this wonderful prayer community. I would like to lift up Charlene to God's grace right now, for her caring heart, her personal experience, knowledge and pain that many of us cannot even begin to understand, and for her courage in trying to help. Bless you Charlene, and thank you for sharing what was in your heart. I also lift up Connor that God would bring more healing to him and stabilize him once again so he can continue to improve. Love you all!
Thanks, Brad. You are doing an awesome job!
Yes - thanks, Brad!
Wrestling with God... you know, I don't know why I didn't think of that Scriptural example before: Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:24-32. I don't know if you had it in mind when you used that phrase, Brad - but it is very apt. Jacob would not give up, even after God put his hip out of joint, demanding (!?) a blessing... and God blessed him!
Charlene - you have a tender heart - that really helps in obeying Paul's injunction to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). Thanks for sharing your heart.
Lee
Ditto Lee's comment to Charlene. :)
Every comment posted gives me something more to think about and wrestle with (as mi esposo pointed out in the example of Jacob). I'm driven to search the Scriptures with a passion, and my faith has grown immensely as a result of this blog site and everyone's participation. I appreciate and love you all.
In Christ,
Jenann
Ditto Brad's word from the youngest brother... Eric will testify that if you're not careful I'll hit you upside the head with a skateboard! Right, Eric?
One of the things I've come to realize over the last few years in my own walk is that my faith IS the wrestling match between me and my God.
Somedays I wrestle because I want to be in control. Somedays I wrestle because I'm not getting my way.
Somedays I wrestle in prayer over BIG things and somedays it's over trivial matters.
Somedays I wrestle with God's existence.
Somedays I'm amazed at his overwhelming presence.
Somedays I wrestle with mind-boggling theological questions.
Somedays I wrestle with stupid childish things.
Somedays I wrestle with the enormity of other peoples sin and the lack of consequences.
Somedays i wrestle with the magnitude of my own sin and the grace that has been extended to cover it.
Somedays I wrestle with why I've been chosen for the wrestling match
Somedays I wrestle because honestly I don't know what else to do.
Most days I wrestle with the amazing beauty of it all.
For me, this is faith...
Sure there are times of peace between the matches, but if I ever go too long without wrestling I start looking around and wondering where the holy spirit went... that's about the time he'll sneak up from behind me off we go again...
Kent
Back in Virginia
I just have to say "Well Done" Uncle Monkey and Aunt Ardyth, for raising some beautiful children inside and out. Their firm foundation they received at home is what makes them awesome warriors for Christ today. I'm sure Melissa is amen-ing the brothers posts as well...don't mess with sisters, especially sisters from TEXAS! Yeehaw! I love you guys and pray God's blessings on Connor and family. Love ya,
Martha (FL)
PS to the above.......
We are one in the bond of love;
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirits with the Spirit of God;
We are one in the bond of love.
Let us sing now, ev'ry one;
Let us feel His love begun.
Let us join our hands, that the world will know;
We are one in the bond of love.
How boring life would be if we all thought the same. Praise the Lord that He gave us minds to think with, hearts to feel with, and hands to type with.....but praise God the most that we are ONE IN THE BOND OF LOVE, if we have called upon Him as our personal Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!
Martha (FL)
Amen Brad...and Amen MARTHA!! The sisters from TEXAS are watching closely....
AMAZING GOD AND HIS WONDERFUL MYSTERIOUS WAYS!!!!
Evalena
Hey Big Brother,
It's good to know you are there looking out for things!
I felt a little worried,
Thanks!
Joya
Well, another cousin from Texas just has to speak up. We haven't been able to be around all of you in a very long time, but I can honestly say....I am soooo proud to be your cousin! Each and every one of you are so awesome, and I just wish that the day would come where all of us Williamson cousins could be together here on earth. I am a faithful believer in our Lord, but wow, some of your posts still blow me away. Our cousins, Martha and Evalena are pretty special too, as you can see by reading their posts. When I was facing my battle with cancer two years ago, I cannot tell you of the prayers and emails that I received from those 2 sisters. We have a wonderful family....and I thank you Brad for all you have done on this blog and you too Kent! Our prayers are continuing to go up. We send our love from Texas!
Bless you Charlene for sharing your soul.
Blessings to everyone else who considered her counsel, took it to heart, considered your own faith, and responded with what you were moved to share.
If it was so easy to understand, it wouldn't be a mystery.
At the end of the day, what I think really matters is that Connor and family are encouraged by our various ways of expressing our concern and support, whether believers, undecideds, or self-described nonbelievers.
I have to believe it's enough for Connor and family to know that thousands are following Connor's journey; praying, hoping or thinking the best for the perfect outcome in whatever way they do so, and that they share that encouragment.
Blessings to everyone keeping Clan Williamson in their thoughts and prayers.
Donna
Tumwater WA
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