Today my brother George would have turned 69. He passed away at the age of 39. I miss him like crazy and wish he was here. He was my best friend and confident. He understood me better than I understood myself. He loved me, he loved Jesus, he loved people, and yes, he loved life. He was a good man with a good heart. We grew up in Panama City and Pensacola. In PC they called him, Mr Putt Putt because he owned the Putt Putt course that was located just across the Hathaway Bridge passed the Sambo’s, next to Tony’s Pizza. Although these businesses have been gone many years, I’m sure many of you remember those days. They were simple, and yes, most of the time, pretty darn easy, simply because, we had each other. As the years pass by and time takes it’s toll, I still wake up on Oct 23rd and think of him. He always had a way of encouraging me when I was down or felt like I had failed. No matter what happened, what mistakes I made or how I was feeling, he would tell me I was good and I was loved. He introduced me to Jesus. He told me I would never be alone with Him in my heart, and yes, He was right. So yes, as I reflect on those days while witnessing the destruction of a place that is so dear to my heart while reflecting on the many wonderful memories that were made in that little town just to the east of us, I am yes, grateful to know, that no, we’re not alone, for yes, in the midst of the destruction and heartache, God is with us. He has His hand on His people and is a constant help as we all move forward. We see Him in the hands that are helping to cut, cook and hug. So yes sweet friends, as we think about our own challenges, and yes, for some they are huge, we can rest in the fact that none of us are alone. We have a Father who will encourage and lift us up when we’re down, and yes, carries us through when our load is too heavy to bare. He gives us the strength to move forward when our feet are stopped dead in their track. For yes, He is love Itself, and yes, today, yesterday and all the tomorrows to come .. haha .. oh yeah .. love wins period.
Happy Birthday George. Godspeed Sweet Friends
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
#lovewinsperiod
Image by Michael Belk from “Journeys of the Messiah”