I know I haven't written here in a very long time. I have to admit--I've missed you guys. But, it's been a much-needed break. Life needs to be about the living, not about the blog post pictures and titles.
So, I read something that inspired me.
And it made me smile.
And it made me teary.
Because it's about my family.
It's about the hero of our family...my dad's big brother, my Uncle Berry Lee. My dad's "Bubba."
I read my dad's words about his Bubba on a day that lots and lots of families in Oklahoma lost loved ones and homes, and experienced moments of terror. So, probably, I was waxing extra nostalgic about family.
(Okay, this is when you go read it, too. Go on--go read. I'll wait on ya!)
My dad's words are especially meaningful because they explain a little bit of why my family is so special: You see, we had a hero--years and years before I was even born. Our family owes so much to my Uncle Berry Lee, who gave my dad love, encouragement, and a faith that has saved us.
When I am feeling especially sentimental about family, I sometimes wonder why I get to be blessed with such a wonderful family? Why did I get loving parents when other kids get abusive parents...or some orphans, who have no one to tell them they're wonderful and loved and wanted?
Why was my family blessed with a rich and grace-filled faith, when others are born into families who don't believe anything...or even worse--believe in a faith that encourages abuse, intimidation, and hatred?
It's not that my big extended family doesn't have problems. Oh, we've got 'em. We've pretty much experienced all the icky problems that humans face.
But, even in the midst of these problems--the anger and resentment and judgment and desperation and sadness--we still have that little voice inside us, that voice that says, "No matter what, my family loves me."
So, why do we get to feel each other's love? Why do we get to have a loving family, when others do not? Why did we get a hero?
I don't have the answer.
BUT, the other day, as I was reading my dad's words, the answer that came to me very clearly was,
"BE somebody's hero. If you don't have a "Bubba" writing you letters and being your hero--then BE somebody else's hero. YOU BE THE HERO."
It really doesn't take that much effort to become somebody's hero. Spend some time. Speak a few encouraging words. Tell him the truth. Tell him he's wonderful and loved and wanted. Write him a letter.
So, today, these are my words for you: Please, please--for the sake of our big and disaster-filled world--please BE somebody's hero today.
And be their hero tomorrow and the day after, too.
You never know how much your encouragement can mean. Our family has learned how much it can mean...even generation after generation.
Thank you, Uncle Berry Lee. Thank you.
(My mom's family is pretty amazing, too. I'll tell that story another day: I'll tell you all about George and Virginia.)
