Day 239

As I play the part of many here, a witness at best of yet another crowded Lake Howell game, I see humanity and it's many levels. Teams battling moment by moment. Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, friends and strangers together experiencing the incredible emotion and physical back and forth (thanks to Austin Bagley - the Lion King). Screaming, cheering... weird dancing! Yet underneath, there is more... Many families tonight will go without food and shelter. They will be too ashamed to mention it. A percentage of families will head home to broken families in the midst of separation. They will be too wounded to admit it. Some will consider themselves less than worthy to be in existence. They will look for ways to be approved and accepted. We don't know the entire story of each person involved in such a simple game; Lake Howell and Lyman. But each person carries a story... And how will it be redeemed?

This evening as I think about how blessed I am to be part of a family (with many members regardless of name), I find it difficult to grasp that many fully miss the realization and reward of family. So I consider those low in spirit and meek, those wounded and forgotten, those broken and handicapped, those left without esteem... family! My simple prayer is that those that have dealt with pain, tragedy, lowliness, loneliness, back-row-ness, worthlessness, abuse, simplicity, drama, peer-pressure, anxiety, question, cautiousness, worry... know that you are not alone in your journey. That at every uncomfortable moment, precious exchange, and mysterious next step; God has our best interest in store for His glory and resolve for this world's fallen. You are not alone, stolen, worthless, unimportant, simple, ugly, bruised, torn... You are His masterful creation... and there are many willing and with you that will share the weight of the world with you! Bearing the stuff...

As I write this simple note, I ask you to say a simple prayer for my brother, Brad.... I miss him...

And as for your journey, please let us pray for you! Our family, our girls, are prayer warriors. We believe that when two or more meet, our Father hears each simple request... and love always wins!