This week’s sermon was on “Radical Love” as part of a series called Radicalis, which means “rooted.” One of the worship songs before the sermon really struck me, but I’m drawing a blank on the name. It mentioned being our brothers’ keeper and reaching out in love to others.

The phrase “brother’s keeper” comes from Genesis 4, when God interrogates Cain about his missing (ie, murdered) brother. I’ve always thought of the phrase in terms of looking out for someone or keeping them out of trouble. The song and sermon yesterday made me think of the phrase in a different light.

It’s been a very long time since was capable of intervening to keep my little brother out of trouble. The one time that comes to mind off the top of my head was when I threatened to beat up a bully on the schoolbus for picking on Nathan. Funny how the tables turn, seeing as my “little” brother outgrew me not too long after that incident, and he was quite able to stand up for himself. Likewise, I had no real say in his decisions growing up – the friends he hung out with, the things he did or the girls he dated. I gave him plenty of unsolicited opinions, mind you – lol! However, my role – if anything – was more advisory than that of “keeper.”

I don’t really know where I’m going with this, except to say that the song encouraged me in the service, of sorts, that we’re doing for Nathan now. Raising his boys and loving them as ours gives honor to his memory. It may not be the same situation as warding off a bully from the schoolbus, but it’s my way of looking out for his best interests. Perhaps that doesn’t make sense. It just gives me joy to remember Nathan in unexpected ways like yesterday’s song & sermon.