April 16, 1950 was my brother's birthday. His name is Ronnie and he is the one standing in the middle of this picture. I was told the other two boys are cousins. I look back to see how much life has changed and I just had a hard day on Saturday.
Ronnie grew up with much disappointment in life and always seem to be hurting. He had such a kind heart and a learning disability, speech problem and never learned how to read. When I was teaching my daughter at the age of 4 to read, Ronnie (in his 30's) asked if I would teach him. He would come over to my house and I would read books to both of them. He had this trust in God that was so real. It was like God said, he believed it and that's all that mattered.
I am reminded of Moses in the Bible when I think of my brother. I'm sure they could have related in different ways of life. Ronnie had faith and he knew in whom he was to trust.
Exodus 4:10-12 New International Version (NIV)
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
THINK ABOUT IT ~
Moses was called by God. God spoke to Moses and said, "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say". It was a promise made by God. It is God who we need to trust daily and seek his will. It is laying down our own disabilities or fears to speak. God only want you to open you mouth and not stay silent. I am reminded today of the power of God, his ability to change us from the inside out and courage to face hard things.
I truly know my brother was a hero to my heart. Growing up I didn't understand his disability or the reason why kids made fun of him. I just joined in teasing him because others did. As I grew older, I realized how wrong I was. I love the way my brother loved my kids and he gave all he had to them. He didn't have much money but he always wanted to buy my kids things. I saw the way his eyes would light up when my kids would enter the room. He loved being called, "UNCLE". He also loved God and loved being called God's son.
TIME GOES BY FAST ~
Life can seem like you just turn around and your birthday is here again. Let us learn to celebrate life each day we live. Speak to loved ones, share life and continue the hope in God.
I will never forget the day Ronnie went to Heaven. The positive side was this, God has a plan and it's my time to go. He told me that his time was up, take care of mom and I knew we should have opened Christmas gift. Yes, he did die on Christmas Day years ago and my heart always remembers that day. Ronnie told me to trust God and know that someday I would see him again. I often wish I had more time to talk to him or share life. It brings me to this, we spend time where our heart is. Purpose time to tell someone you care about them, you love them and that God is real.
You are important to me and I value your time. My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
Purpose this a great day!
~ Sparkie
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