Links

Links. We think of them as the places we click on while using the internet. We think of them as we see jewelry necklaces, bracelets and gold chains for pocket watches. There's even a TV show called Weakest Link. But what I want to write about today: human links.

We're put on this earth not as solitary creatures, but as social creatures. We link together with friends to go out and do fun stuff or to do nothing at all. We link together with co-workers to get a job done. We link together with fellow believers to worship. But a very crucial link is the one we form from birth and on: a family to meet our basic needs of survival and human interaction. Sometimes these links are beautiful and easy; sometimes they are not. Sometimes the links are strong and solid; sometimes they are not. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, no matter what kind of family we come from.

Recently, my brother Dennis died. Our relationship was like one of those weaker links. It was very painful for me because I loved him. He was my flesh and blood. Being in a strained relationship never felt right. Now that he is gone, there is no chance for earthly reconcilliation, and that grieves me so.

Dear reader, I request you now to become a part of our family link by saying a prayer for my brother, our mother, my siblings and especially for Dennis' children. That there will be some way to make it through these difficult days, and that our family chain will become stronger as a result of the power of prayer and the linking of human hearts for strength in numbers.