anyone can be a father....

Originally uploaded by meldenham

anyone can be a father...

anyone can be a father...
Originally uploaded by meldenham

This is the latest letter from my brother, Eric:

“Dear Sis,

Well, my attorney quit. I sent him a letter last week telling him that he needs to write me and keep me informed about everything in my case etc… And that I don’t have money to hire my own lawyer but if I did I would. I asked him to find out about the lost evidence etc… I had many (have many) questions about the lost evidence. He says that he has known about it since three weeks before Oct 15 but it may be that the evidence was last two months after I was here or the evidence didn’t exist because that was the same time that there was a court order for my release. Anyway I am not upset by the lawyer quitting I am upset because I told Dad last night and he yelled and screamed at me telling me to quit screwing around and that I should get behind my lawyer etc… I don’t get him at all. A lawyer is suppose to fight for his client mine wasn’t doing that he was lying to me, not doing what I asked him to do, not answering my questions, keeping vital information from me and implying that its my fault that things are taking so long. I have not asked for any continuances or anything like that!! I have asked for answers and proof to these questions and answers. But after Dad yelled and screamed at me he hung up on me stating that he’s not going to talk to me about it at all. Here I am, I’ve lost all my worldly things, so what that stuff can be replaced, I’ve lost my family (immediate) now it feels that I have lost my dad too! He acts as though I have asked or demanded the money for a lawyer from him or something. I know he doesn’t have it and if he did there is no way he would turn loose of it for me! He’s too greedy for that. I thought Dad supported me in fighting for my freedom, but him reacting that way, that shows no support!!

Sis I love ya

Your brother X2

Love always,

Eric



I’m sharing this because I think it speaks volumes about what John warns us against in 2 John 7-11

In my opinion, no matter how mature one is as a Christian, having been rejected by your earthly father can cause doubt, fear, and self-loathing. This is an instance in which we should shut the door to the untruths and only accept what Christ has to say about us. It doesn’t matter that my dad is misled or lost or why is misled or lost, only that he is. For me or my brother to listen and believe what he says is allowing deceit in. Until we can rely solely on Jesus for our assurance, we should avoid or “not receive him into our house, and not give him a greeting”. Yes, my dad needs to hear the gospel. Yes, we should respect and honor our dad (even though he is not worthy of it). But, unless and until we can do this like Christ, then we should avoid this kind of communication. This is a very hard thing to do, because we instinctually seek approval and assurance from our parents.

I want to add that I believe that it is vitally important for us, as Christians, to juxtapose ourselves with one another and be committed to each other. Some of us want nothing more than to be loved and accepted. And although we (mature Christians) know that Christ will provide that and more, it is SO important to the new believer that has NEVER experienced that, to have something tangible to cling to. Like a baby just learning to walk, having that hand to reach out for means so much.

...the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month...

...the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month...
Originally uploaded by meldenham

while I don't want to take away the solemnity and reverence this image brings, I would like to add a bit of brevity....

while driving through the cemetery, Stevie asked, "are all of these people dead?"

after a chuckle, I explained...but I do understand what she was trying to ask: are the stones markers for all servicemen or ones that have passed on?

I'm always trying to get Stevie to play "Name that song/artist" with me while driving around town listening to music.
She won't though :(
One day, 'Take It Easy' came on and I, once again, tried to get her to play along.
I asked: "Name this artist."
From the back, Makenzie announces: "the B E A G L E S"

:)