Brotherly Love...

“A brother is a friend God gave you; a friend is a brother your heart chose for you.” -Proverb

Source: youcancallmeaweirdo.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest



Siblings are a wonderful thing...I saw this picture on Pinterest recently, and I immediately had a rush of emotion sweep over me.  Why?  I immediately thought of my one and only sibling...my younger brother. 

I was always the "older" sister.  As the "older" sibling, I am protective of my younger brother...but, he is protective of his sister as well.  We were 5 1/2 years apart, and growing up we were close...but, lets face it...during the teenage years he was hitting the years where it was "fun" to tease and "bother" his older sister.  There were some ahem "great times" during those years (sarcastically)!!!

However, those "awkward" years passed...and, there is no prouder sister out there than this gal right here!!! 

Siblings serve an important role in our lives...They are sometimes our first and often our best friends in life.  They know us in our best and our worst...but love us anyway.  They can fight with us tooth and nail...but, will also defend us just as much.  I have never questioned my brother's devotion, and I know he knows the same.  Although we now live several hours apart, if he picked up the phone today and said..."Erin, come..."  I wouldn't ask why...I would simply go.  I know he would do the same. 



 Siblings provide a unique opportunity to give and receive as well as learn tolerance, an appreciation for others, communication skills, an ability to forgive others, and an understanding of genuine companionship.   Scripture also offers these principles regarding sibling relationships: 1)  We must allow a sibling freedom to develop his or her own traits and abilities (they are different from us) they feel God has called them to in life.  Or, if they stray, we must allow them to "experience" life, and pray that God knows best.  Mary and Martha were very different in personality, yet both had very valuable traits and unique relationships with Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Luke 10: 38-42; John 11: 20-44). 2)  We should be joyful and not jealous when good things happen to our siblings (it could not make me happier when something good happens to my brother!!).  (Luke 15: 11-32) 3)  We should continue to do our best always to introduce our brothers and sisters to the gospel and build up their faith.  This will depend on the sibling...willingness of heart, etc.  Sometimes it may be by example, prayer, etc.  But, as a Christian....I strive to be a living example of HIS LOVE to my brother...and, I pray for him daily! (John 1: 40-42) 

Siblings play an important role in helping determine both who we are and who we become...they help us develop our self esteem and self worth.

This is why I chose my brother to walk my down the aisle on my wedding day...because HE has been there and I can always depend on him to be there!!!  And, what a wonderful thing it is to have such a special sibling.  On our wedding day we had a wonderful picture of him and I kissing each other on the cheek captured by the photographer that the picture above reminded me of and inspired this post...of course I can't share due to copyright...but, I wanted to share a few pictures anyway:

In the limo with my brother, husband, as well as husband's brother on wedding day as we traveled around DC to take pictures.

At airport...saying goodbye for his semester overseas to Belgium.

At an extended family get together...on a hot summer day after playing some "corn hole" and good eats.

Brotherly (and sisterly) love really is a special gift...and, I am glad that I am able to experience it in this life. 

Thank you for allowing me to share with you my "brotherly love"...I'm opening up the opportunity to you...did the photo above or this post touch you just as much as it did me?  Honestly...this is so personal to me...my love for my brother, if you have a sibling...I'm sure it did...feel free to share...would love to hear it.

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