Family ties

The Olympics are here!  This is always a fun period in the life and times of the world on stage.  Athletes are not only abundant during the winter Olympics but their talent is sometimes mind boggling.  The efforts that each individual athlete must put forth are impressive to say the least.  One particular story that moved me and most likely anyone who has been able to sit and watch the Olympics knows, is the story of downhill skier Alex Bilodeau.  While he is a spectacular athlete, winning back to back gold medals in two Winter Olympics, he has a heart that is made of pure gold, dipped in love. 

Alex has an older brother with cerebral palsy named Frederic Bilodeau.  Not only is his brother his biggest fan and supporter, but Frederic has brought out a side to his gold medal winning brother Alex, that moved me, in a way I never expected.  I watched him hug his brother on the television broadcast as he, (Alex) realized yet again, that he had won gold.  His interview after the fact was not only touching, but I realized The Lord has given him an Angel's Heart.  I realized he lives out chapter 13 in 1 Corinthians as though tattooed upon his brain.  I do not know what his religion is, and I do not care.  This is not about religion.  This is about love.

1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-7
The Book  published by, Tyndale House Publishers.

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude.  Love does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable or touchy.  It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.  It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost.  You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 

When I watched Alex with his brother Frederic I was reminded of the love so many siblings share with one another.  The laughter and joy that children, raised together as family, can bring to a room is evidence of love.   The sheer electric presence when siblings are brought together is evidence of love.  Their deeply woven ties in both the present and past can captivate a room.  Collectively, bringing into agreement, like the pressure of a thumb pushing in a tack, saying, "they are siblings," with a bonding past, a bonding present for all to feel, see and absorb.  Siblings share deep secrets, emotional reflections of regretful moments shared from the past.  Things they have seen as children, that the adults in the room will never fully appreciate.  Entertaining moments that will never be forgotten.  Silly, silly experiences that make you sit over a hot cup of coffee grinning from your head to your toes.  Siblings experience each other's joys through cheers, applause, and being by their side.  They experience each other's pains, and ache with them, in times of need.  They cry with them, hold them, console them.  Rock them, caress their hair, wipe their tears, and together humbly bow their heads in prayer.  They share in understanding, accepting, judging, and the power of unity. 

When siblings are young, some are compatible like a carton cradling the egg and some are incompatible, squabbling incessantly.  They annoy one another in every possible way they can.  But, let them see someone else do this to their sibling and like a lion on his watch, they rise, they take no heed, and they Will Pounce!  No one treats my sister/brother that way!  The reality is, no matter how annoying, or annoyed one is, Love will pour throughout the body when a sibling is in need, in pain, in distress, or feels helpless.  Ask and it will be given, as though we possess some special powers to heal, save, or perform magic to change the situation.  We will move a mountain if that's what it takes to care for a sibling.  It's an emotional, heart gripping feeling to love like family.  There is no other love more powerful than that fueled by common blood. 

My sister and I had our moments growing up.  Several moments of anger and unfriendly gestures towards one another yet I knew with out any question, she loved me.  I used to go into her room without knocking.  I'd just barge in like a little sister should.  Haha.  She would flip!  She was three years older than me and at some point she became mature and I stayed, "a little kid," at least in her mind.  Our rooms were at the top of a fifteen step staircase.  How do I remember how many stairs you ask?  I counted them over and over throughout my childhood.  Believe me, I know.  My room was at the top of those stairs to the left, my sister's to the right.  I can tell you with certainty, that while she may have been huffing and puffing, while smoke might have been coming out of her nose and eyes full of fire, had I stepped back into the hall, lost my balance and toppled down the stairs, she would have been at my side wherever I came to rest in God's speed!  Her love, while hidden, would show its face whenever the time was right,  whenever I needed her.   I don't know if I can describe the feeling that comes over a sibling who battles and wars but in time of need is defended and protected.  My sister did this for me.  Besides the emotional response of love flowing through my veins, it moves me to tears even now to remember her attack, her fearless ferociousness when I was in need.  Those are the ties that bind.

I love the power of love.  Take time to remember during this month of hearts and love notes those who you love, those who you have protected with your love, those who have protected you with their love, and those you would move a mountain to protect.  In our busy lives there should always be time to reflect on moments of Love.

Happy Valentine's Day to you! 
S.