Thomas Brown

In my life there have been many men come through that have been good, solid role models.  Fathers, brothers, friends.  But there is one that seems to stand out this weekend.  I knew him as thin, tallish church-rat with a nasty outside shot.  Competitive, with the desire to play baseball, basketball, even backyard wrestling.  He was raised alongside a group of boys that will always be near to my heart.  And many have proved themselves as men and as fathers (and step-fathers – Sammy).  But this one, well he stands out.  He’s someone I’d like to know again, someone I can respect.

My memory fades back to the day my own father was leaving the church we grew up in to move to middle Georgia to pastor his first church.  There was the typical ‘Baptist’ line of people there to say their well-wishes and goodbyes.  It was emotional for my parents.  It should have been emotional for me.  But I was like a rock until he came up.  We were both removed from adolescence and in our young adult life.  He hugged me.  Called me ‘brother’.  And then the dam broke.  It was one of the most emotional moments of loss I had experienced up until that time.  Only losing my grandmother surpassed it.  

I also remember a young, dark-haired girl who walked into the youth group and pretty much changed his world.  They’ve been together for a long time, and I pray they’ll continue to be just who they are.  I’m not close to them, but they are one of those really ‘sick couples’ who have made it work.  And I say that out of a place of deep respect and admiration.  I’ve seen the faces of their kids and I can just tell.  They get it.  They aren’t perfect, but I know that deep down they care about what really matters.  Faith.  Family.

So how fitting now, as I have recently put myself back out on the “Book of Face”, I see the picture Misty put up.  He’s a grown man, a father.  And as I read her post I know that the words are true.

“You’re a good man, Thomas Brown.”

I’d love to reconnect.  Let’s grab lunch.

Chad