There are many things I thank GOD for since being with my queen, Dawn.  One of them is the brotherhood I was confronted with early on in our relationship.  During a trip Dawn and I took to Pennsylvania to check on a site for a Christian college retreat, I was introduced to some wonderful people.  Out of all the people I met during that day, two stood out to me-namely Joe Shea and Steve Bugler.

At their first opportunity, both Joe and Steve took it upon themselves to have a private talk with me. Neither conversation was casual chitchat. Both men were on a mission-to look out for Dawn because she was their sister-in-the-LORD.

One at a time, Joe and Steve introduced themselves to me. When they did, each made it known to me, man-to-man that they would "come talk to me," if they saw Dawn wasn't being treated well. Both shared with me, "Dawn is like my sister. And if we have to, we will hurt you!!!"  Needless to say, I took heed, because we are married today.

Now, I know there is some lost art that Picasso and Van Gough have done.  But what happened to the lost art of real, genuine brothers in the Body Of CHRIST? What happened to men who would look after their sisters-in-the-LORD, step to any man interested in her and let that man know that if you mistreat her, you'll have to answer to me?

Now, I understand that this may pose a problem because the man seeing our sister may think we are trying to keep her for ourselves. They may not be accustomed to men like Joe and Steve. Men like them are rare, but then, so are our sisters-in-the-Lord. They are beautiful jewels-gifts as I told you in an earlier newsletter (Click here to read Reggie's article on gifts)-and they are to be treated as such. When we treat them as jewels, we set the tone for others.

I want to point out that Joe and Steve were not effective through force. They were effective through relationship. Dawn felt safe and secure with them. I saw how comfortable she was with Joe and Steve when she greeted them and as when we all went about checking out the site. Dawn respected their opinions. I knew she would not mind Joe and Steve speaking up for her, so when they talked, I listened.

Also, though I just met Joe and Steve, I found myself respecting them too. Both Joe and Steve were in college ministry and had a good reputation in place. I saw them with others, which helped me understand that they were speaking to me out of brotherly love for Dawn and nothing else.

Now, they may see it as selfish and personal, but what I've come to experience is men respect another man for being there to aid and help the tender-gender.  As a matter of fact, to this day, Steve and Joe are some of my true brothers whom I respect and value greatly.

So, the next time you are looking for a lost art, check to see if you can find a man who is watching out for another lady with genuine love and concern.

Until next time, let me go do what I said...  

Reggie

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