R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"Yes!"
My brother, Woody.

For those of you who haven't read my blog before, my older brother, Woody, died unexpectedly last Tuesday. For those of you who sent condolences, thank you. I was blessed with two fantastic brothers ... Woody was three years older than I am. (Today is his birthday) My brother, Grant, is seven years younger. They both have been unbelievable support to me. Woody's service was led by my younger brother with much input and participation by Woody's son and Woody's wife. I thought the service was wonderful ... just the right amount of laughter and tears. And the family bonding through it all was amazing and unbelievably comforting, and the standing room only crowd was moved as well. Although I will miss him and his wise advice, funny personality and philosophical questions, I know he is getting all those questions answered and is saying "Yes! Yes! Yes!" and is shining like the sun. We had buttons printed up with the word "Yes!" on them to be passed out to everyone at the funeral. My brother loved that word. He designed a ring that said "Yes!" He had it engraved on things. If he had decided on a tatoo, that would have been it. That was his philosophy ... "Yes!" to all of life. Yes to the rich, unbelievable adventure that it is. Yes to the joy and even the sorrows. Yes to each other. Yes to goodness. Yes to God. So, today, I'm going to put my "Yes!" button on again and try my best to live what that means in every minute of this feast of life I've been given today. For Woody. For all my family and friends and for fellow travelers on the road of life, and "Yes!" for myself.

"May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole, Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,... make us into what gives him most pleasure, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh yes, yes, yes!"
Hebrews 13:20-21 (The Message)