Happy Birthday little brother

A sibling may be the keeper of one's identity,
the only person with the keys to one's unfettered,
more fundamental self. ~Marian Sandmaier


What is most exciting about E's birthday every year is that it is his spiritual birthday as well so welcome to year 3 of your faith. May it prove to be as fruitful and filled with God's blessing for you.

I tell Erich's story of being saved and baptized often because I have never seen the transforming power in someone's life so cleary. Redemption's story lived out through life experiences, decisions and ulitmately leading to the cross when there was no where else to go.

The summer after I moved home from TU I was living across the hall from E for the last few months before marrying Ryan. A series of decisions and trouble led to a weekend of examining life and really facing a fork in the road. Our little brother Austin, who was 8 at the time was being baptized that weekend on Erich's 20th birthday. During the service, the pastor gave an open invitation to anyone who wanted to be baptized. Erich grabbed my hand and we RAN up to the stage where he declared that today was his 20th birthday but he wanted it to be his first birthday in Christ. He was baptized then and there in a large tub on stage and I got to be in the water with him.

How amazing that day was but even more the steps that have been taken as a result. There is now in place of that boy a man who has an awesome group of Chrisitan friends, serves with high school guys as a small group leader & is walking into a bright future. You are loved Erich!