To the Men in My Life

My brothers doing what we do best: going out to eat with Mom and Dad’s money

Calm down, this isn’t an angsty letter written to the men who have done me wrong. I definitely don’t I have enough experience (or anger) to write that. I’ve only ever been surrounded by kind, respectful, upright men.

It all started with, quite literally, my Day One, my dad. I love my dad so much. He is the funniest, sweetest man and he’s never been anything but an amazing rock for my family. I don’t remember a lot of details when my dad’s father passed away, but I remember my dad being so strong. Now, almost ten years later, I know how hard that must have been for him, and he still remained brave for my brothers and I.

I recently read a poem called “Post-Time” in which the author gains understanding of his or her father now that they are older. I know now that my dad may not be the perfect superhero I saw him as when I was little, but he’s definitely still a superhero.

My dad taught me what I deserve. The first time I ever went on a date, he sat me down and talked to me in his most serious tone. He said, “You will be treated how you deserve to be treated.” And that was that.

My dad is a dork and a goofball and often times feels more like the fourth kid than the adult, but I couldn’t ask for anything more from him. They often say “If your earthly father can love you so much, imagine how much your Heavenly Father loves you.” And when I look at my dad, it’s almost beyond understanding how much God must love me.

God also decided to bless me with three grandpas. My mom’s father is my biggest cheerleader, and has so much love to share with this world. My dad’s stepdad is sweet and funny, and does anything for any of his grandkids. While my dad’s dad passed away when I was younger I have nothing but fond memories of going over to their house, and I know my dad is making him proud.

Next up, are the next most important men in my life: my brothers. Whenever I’m asked about my family I just say, “I have two brothers, and they’re my favorite people in the whole wide world” because they really are. From wrestling after dinner to taking my broken-hearted sobbing phone calls, my brothers have been through it all with me.

Older brothers are something special. I can’t explain how thankful I am for my older brother. He always says he looks up to me but I think he’s underestimating how wonderful and impactful he is. The summer after his junior year, Marcus went to YoungLife camp and came back a changed man. He’s a man of God and a man devoted to God’s purpose for us: to love everyone. When I got to Southeast, any teacher that knew my brother loved him. Even if he “talked too much” they all adored him. That’s because Marcus has a way of touching people’s lives in the most genuine way. He’s been there for me a lot, especially recently, and I don’t know what I  would do without his undying support and texts about how great I am and how dumb boys are.

I’m so proud of the young man my little brother is becoming. I know sometimes there’s a lot of pressure on him, just because he has two older siblings, but Jack is so different from Marcus and I,and I’m really glad he is. As hard as I try to deny it, Jackson is one of the funniest people I know. My dad laughs at anything that boy says, and I can’t blame him. But more than just being funny, Jackson is hard working and has the biggest heart of anyone I know. I’ve never met someone who feels so genuinely for other people. One week, in youth group, I got to listen to him talk about Jesus for the first time, and I didn’t realize how wise and mature Jack was in his faith. Often times I forget that my baby brother is becoming a young man–although, having him mistaken as my boyfriend does help me remember that he’s not in middle school anymore–and I’m incredibly excited to see how he grows.

Lastly, just about the only other men in my life, besides a few wonderful friends, are the men that I’ve dated. There aren’t many, and they’ll probably end up hearing about this or reading this, but I have nothing but kind words to say about them as well. They were always kind, fun, thoughtful, and respectful. I know I put up boundaries that would be hard for some boys, but the boys I dated never disrespected me. I’m so blessed to have gotten to know them and learn from them, while they treated me exactly how Jesus would want them to.

The men I am surrounded by are men of God and I see Jesus’ love in all of them. I am so thankful for the upright men of God in my life, who lead me closer to the Ultimate Guy, Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.” // Ephesians 5:1-2

#family #relationships #September2015