When I was in High School, I worked very hard to be popular and "cool". I admit it. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to be pretty, and clever, and have a boyfriend, and be a cheerleader, and go to the dances on Friday nights.
My brother was a cowboy. A real, buckin' bronco, tobacco chewin, beer drinkin', cowboy hat wearin', cowboy.
He was an extrovert. Still is. I on the other hand, worked as hard as I could to muster up the courage to not be shy. It was a daily battle for me. I don't think most people could see my shyness as I hid it behind the good-girl-smile-at-everyone-face, but it was there under the surface all the time. I just wanted to fit in, and still be a "good girl".
If I was a "good girl", Bill was a "rascal". I had good grades. Bill was barely passing. I was quiet and obedient. Bill was outspoken and hilarious. I worried about what people thought - and Bill could have cared less. I've mentioned before that I am 8 months and 23 days older than Bill. He was a miracle - born 12 weeks early in 1956. And, he was a survivor. He wasn't going to miss out on one minute of life - that was for sure.
One day, I walked around the corner of the B Building, on my way to Spanish class, and there - tied to the drinking fountain was the most popular girl in school. Seriously... THE MOST POPULAR GIRL IN SCHOOL! When she saw me, she hollered at me, "UNTIE ME - your brother tied me up!"
I thought I would melt into the pavement. I couldn't believe it. He could have picked any one on campus to practice his roping tricks on - but he had to pick TMPG in School!
I untied her and apologized, but she just laughed and said it was funny. She laughed as she ran off to class - cheer skirt flipping up as she ran - "your brother is SO cute!"
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My brother married a beautiful girl who has embraced his love for the cowboy life. Their home is beautifully decorated with western art. She can elegantly decorate even with the deer heads on the wall!
My brother is a very committed Believer. This didn't happen till later in life. But, the relationships with people that he built over 30 years past were meant for a reason. He has over 20 men attending his early morning Bible study - men that might never step into a church. Men who are tough, yet broken. Men who have drank their family and life away. Men looking for hope.
For years I prayed for my sweet brother - and when he did come to the Lord, I learned a very big lesson. I can worry and fret, or I can trust. God has different timing than I do. He knows what he needs to do to reach the most people for Himself. I think - He allowed my brother to spend long nights in the Turkey Inn - out carousing with the old cowboys in town - so that one day, he might be the one to sit at their bedside offering them the Love they had always longed for. To pray with a dying man, who has no one left to love him, to then find the Greatest Love of All.
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What a wonderful story! It really renews one's faith in God and humankind. Many of us have hearts tied up in knots of worry for those we love...we'd do anything to fix their hurts and make their problems go away. I recently found to my sorrow that I couldn't make a loved sibling change...the more we tried to help, the more she slipped away. Now all I can do is wait and let her find her own way home, and let God do things His way. Thank you for sharing your brother's story.
Posted by: shirley hatfield | February 20, 2013 at 02:51 PM
What and awesome story girlfriend, thank you so much for sharing it. I, too, have noticed that others take longer to reach their potential and there's no use in pestering them. I have never, ever "preached" to anyone, but if someone asks, then they get my story and some have decided to come along for the journey. Patience is so under rated, we all need to practice it more and more.
God Bless,
Meri
Posted by: Meri Wiley | February 20, 2013 at 04:14 PM
Such a wonderful brother you have!! This is a great story....things happen all in good time!
Warmly chris
Posted by: chris mckinley | February 20, 2013 at 05:42 PM
A wonderful story and a brother you have! Thanks for sharing! What a blessing he became a believer! ;) Hope you are having a lovely week! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | February 20, 2013 at 09:44 PM
What a beautiful story about your brother. Continued blessings to you both!!
Posted by: Kim Kenward | February 21, 2013 at 03:46 AM
Patti, I have these very thoughts on my mind today, and you have given me just the answer I was looking for. What a blessing you are! I have the identical brother, I'm so glad you do as well. have a lovely weekend. Your paper art as always inspires in every way! Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 21, 2013 at 01:12 PM
Hi Patti,
Such a wonderful story! Such a blessing to me! I was wondering if my package to you has arrived. It was suppose to arrive last Friday or Saturday. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Lynn and the wienee ranch bunch
Posted by: Lynn | February 21, 2013 at 02:45 PM
A great story of your little brother. I just bought my husband the book, "Why Men Hate to Go to Church"; he startedit today and talked about it at dinner. Your brother has found a way to be a man's man and still be tender hearted and show the love of Jesus; perfect.
Posted by: Tammy | February 21, 2013 at 09:12 PM
Hello Patti!
I love this story....I'm glad he turned out to be a kind, passionate man...everyone learns at a different pace. Have a great weekend girlfriend!
Posted by: Laura | February 23, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Such an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: HeidiAphrodite | February 27, 2013 at 03:19 PM