Monday, June 17, 2024
When Zoe and I were first married and had twins on our one year wedding anniversary. And then another little one shortly after that. And another little one shortly after that... Brad and his beautiful sweet wife Mary Janette took us under their wings. They fed us -- physically they fed us lots of meals. But they also fed us with a FEAST of wisdom. They listened to our woes with empathy and without judgment. Brad would chuckle those deep throated "BEEN THERE!" chuckles as he listened to our struggles. He would point us to the Word of God for answers. It wasn't a dusty ancient book to him - it was ALIVE to him. He knew what it meant and how it applied to his life. He knew how it applied to his marriage, and to his kids.
His kids were teenagers, and they actually liked him. So I knew I had to learn everything I could from this man if I wanted my kids to actually like me some day.
Brad knew many of my darkest secrets. I could confess my struggles to him, and he knew what struggles looked like. And he would gently guide me to walking the right path.
You never had to worry about Brad Binder making you feel "judged."
You might worry about letting him down, because doggone, you loved him, and you know he loved you. But no, he didn't judge you.
I can still feel his hand on my shoulder praying for me. It was always supernaturally warm.
To Mary Janette and your beautiful children, I'm deeply sorrowful for your loss, and I know my grief and loss for Brad is pale compared to yours. I know what it's like to lose a great man of that caliber. Men like that don't leave holes in your heart, they leave massive craters.
I can tell you that I know your father's heart. I know it because - he helped teach me how to be a father.
I know what he prayed for every morning when he woke up and what he prayed for every night before he went to sleep.... he prayed that his family would love the Lord, and they they would be blessed. So today, I'll pray that prayer in his place for him!
