When I picked up the phone and heard his voice, I was so happy. My sweet baby brother (who thinks he’s my big brother), Andre Brinson—I call him Dre—greeted me gleefully. I haven’t seen him since last year when I was in North Carolina working on some music in his home studio.
Andre is an amazing organist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer. He’s also Minister of Music for the 5,000 member Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro Inc., where Bishop George W. Brooks is senior pastor.
“I miss you so much,” I told Andre, who just finished producing the new CD for Mt. Zion called My Everything.
“Well, I’m right up here at the hospital with mom,” he replied.
For some reason, it took a minute for it to register in my mind that he was actually here, in Buffalo. Then, it hit me.
“Oh my goodness, Dre, really? You’re here?!” I squealed with delight in my high-pitched happy voice. I was already on my way to see my mother, Annie, so this was an added bonus.
When I arrived, Dre and I embraced for a few moments. Then, as always, I affectionately punched my “knuckle head” kid brother in the shoulder, who had surprised us all with his visitation.
His presence seemed to bring mom special joy; we all like to joke that Andre is the favorite, although I clearly am. ;-)
Mom was up eating, talking, and feeling great. Thankfully, with no more fever and pain complicating her breast cancer treatment, she looked stronger than she has in a long time. Praise God.
As we all sat around, Andre began talking about the importance of believing God and trusting Him throughout this season. “I’m not worried,” he said calmly and confidently, “because I know this is in God’s hands and everything will be fine.”
With such faith-filled words, it is very fitting that the doctors officially discharged mom from the hospital last evening. And, instead of being wheeled out, mom wanted to walk. And she did.
Arm in arm with my dad, with Andre and me trailing closely behind, she exited the hospital with a smile brighter than the beaming sun.
So today, I want to flavor your cup of inspiration with something inspired by my kid brother, who has grown into a great man of faith. I want you to drink down some “confidence in God.” No matter what it looks like, don’t worry. If you put your trust in Jesus, everything will be fine and you'll walk right on out of this storm.
God, I love You and thank You for this encouraging word today. Even through the storm and rain, help me not to forget what anchors my soul. It is confidence in You alone that gives me stability when the fierce winds of life threaten to blow me over. Please help me not to look at my situation, but rather, look to You, the author and finisher of my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you.
