Band of Brothers

In late winter or early spring, I sent an email to Curt asking if he wanted to have a drink at McKeever's.

I didn't really know at the time why I sent the message; and I confess that I was surprised he answered with a "yes."

But that was the night -- probably over a Manhattan or a Guinness or a Smithwick's -- that he invited me to the Metro 29 group for Saturday breakfast at 7 a.m.

Now, months later, to that Band of Brothers, I simply say, "Thank you."

This morning, you encouraged me:

• Hang in there.  Don't quit.  We'll hold you up.

• Throw off that sack of garbage you're carrying around about failure.  Throw it on your brother, Christ.  He wants to carry it.

• "I feel like a failure, too.  But God is still there in it with me."

• Replace that sign over your door -- Thou Shalt Not Fail -- with this one:  Thou Shalt Be Restored!

• Or this one:  Thou Art Loved!

• And as you remember how horrible Friday is, think:  Sunday's coming!

• God calls me to repay insults with blessing.  (I don't know why that all of a sudden feels freeing, but it does!)

I think I now know why I sent that email half a year ago.  To the Metro 29 group, thank you.