Tag: faith

Gods and Idols

Mark Speed2 Comments

“Choose your worship wisely for there is only One worthy.” – Paul (paraphrase)

This has proven to be the most difficult writing since we lost our son, now seven years ago. Still, remaining true to the purpose of this undertaking, truth and transparency are vitally important to others still hurting and searching for answers. Through our loss, we remain convinced the only true God, discussed here can provide lasting fulfillment and healing.

I began the following post early last Sunday and later that morning, the preacher spoke on a similar topic. When the apostle, Paul first entered Athens to share his testimony, he noticed the streets were lined with sculptures of gods and idols. Ironically, those statues had been built by the people he was there to tell about his God. The one who had radically changed his own life.

Just two days after I had begun writing this post, our church shared devastating news involving the pastor, whom we love and call our friend. This message had suddenly become less coincidence than providence. Although the news at church was shocking, extremely painful, and damaging, it has become much too familiar. Specific details, however are not what is needed today. The story is far less important than its moral.

Grief is a palette of emotions. Ours is currently a blend of sadness and anger. Tomorrow, I’m sure will be mixed with something else. Hopefully, a little more compassion. In the days ahead, our family’s prayer is that today’s sadness will eventually be shaded by forgiveness.

Let’s face it, although many people deny the existence of God, we’re all worshippers.

The Bible tells the ancient story of a community of foolish Israelites who were lost for 40 years wondering in the wilderness. We’ve read about their repeated habit of creating man-made idols whenever they yearned for something to fulfill their needs. As their respected leader, many of those people probably idolized Moses. They became anxious when he left them even briefly. With neither Moses nor God visible, their faith also vanished.

Desperately needing something to fill their emptiness, they destroyed their blessings and formed them into what I call “little ‘g’ gods”. They chose to believe those man-made objects could somehow provide what they were missing. Ironically, such idols are as empty as the people who built them. Being impatient, selfish, and short-sighted, those Israelites were unwilling to simply trust, listen, and wait for God’s timing. Wow, that sounds too familiar.

Most readers of this famous story consider those Israelites idiots because God was clearly showing them signs of His presence and power throughout their journey. I can imagine God saying, “Hey, I just parted the ocean, isn’t that enough proof? How about this pillar of clouds to lead you, or the food delivered daily, dropped straight from the sky?” I once pridefully thought I would have been different but the sad truth is, without seeing God face-to-face, I would have been an idol-builder just like them. Heck, I probably would have been a sculptor.

What amazes me though, is even knowing how weak and selfish we are, God always remains ready and willing to forgive. That’s the “amazing grace” we sing about. He simply seeks an unconditional trust relationship without small print exclusions or exceptions. This intimate relationship is the only “worship” He seeks and which simultaneously fills our human longing. Those Israelites could never put such a God on a pedestal or inside a box. He’s too big. This God is The Creator, The Counselor, and The Savior, clearly evident yet only seen when we stop building or buying worthless idols.

When Paul had a personal experience with this God, it turned his life downside – up. He had been killing believers, yet in an instant, he became willing to die to save them. I’m certainly no apostle, but we do share some common ground. Each day of this life will be used to build up the “big ‘G’ God” I met seven years ago. He’s the One who doesn’t lead me to destroy my blessings but rather to count them… among those are my family. More lasting however is grace, hope, wisdom, love, peace, assurance, forgiveness, and eternal life.

In retrospect, when Paul noticed all those idols on the streets of Athens, might he have blindly looked past the one reflected in the storefront windows of himself? Yes, his legacy was world-changing, but he was just a man, passionately telling others about what God had done in his life. Over my years of company relocations and church shopping, I’ve come to learn we should never choose any human as our idol. More likely than not, most are good hearted and well intentioned. However, they all have one thing in common. They aren’t God.

Reader: You may have been distracted or even damaged by some idols you’ve chosen. If you feel empty and in need of a god worthy of worship, I can personally recommend the One who saved my life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for patience in our foolish ways. We worship the wrong gods which are all around us and yet You wait patiently for each one of us. We and thousands of others are praying for those harmed by recent events. Instead of reflecting ourselves, may we show others the image of God that Jesus showed to us. It’s in His name we pray. Amen


‭‭“You must not have any other god but me.” Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ ‭‬‬

Unstuck

Mark Speed5 Comments

“Pop, I’m so glad you finally accepted the invitation… Welcome HOME!” – Braden

“I’m going to be in heaven with you!” – Braden’s Pop

Reader: There have been occasions when I’ve wanted to share about our dad’s life, but I respected his wishes for privacy. Now that he’s gone, perhaps the time is right. I’ve tried to condense these words while not diminishing their value. I’ve done my best and that’s all my father ever asked.

Before our childhood home vanished from time and decay, it stood in a cotton field on the South Plains of Texas. Our family recently gathered near that home last week to say goodbye to our dad, Merlin Speed. On August 27, 2025, their wedding anniversary reunion became a celebration of 70 years of marriage, a sad goodbye, and a tribute to our father’s life.

We will all likely occupy multiple houses over a lifetime, but to most people, “home” is considered that of our childhood. Those formative years serve as a lens on our worldview and can serve as a helpful source to later draw upon if our home was healthy. However, too often the lens is distorted by trauma, dysfunction, or abandonment. That was the case with my dad.

Dad began life in a converted chicken pen with no electric power and no plumbing. Their family moved within a few years, but the address changed more frequently than the calendar. He certainly wasn’t blessed with the kind of childhood home he would dedicate his life to providing. Although our home wasn’t fancy, I felt blessed. In dad’s passing, we aren’t as mournful as we are thankful.

The past few days have been full of remembrances. Memory Lane is so congested with stories, it’s difficult to enumerate them much less do justice in their telling. One sticks in my mind that now seems timely to share.

Farm kids learn best by watching and doing. We did a lot of both. After every rain storm, the routine was to jump in dad’s truck to go “check the farms”. It was less a matter of looking at the rain soaked fields than feeling a sense of hope for a successful harvest. On these crop tours, dad often considered it necessary to leave the pavement and venture down ungraded county roads or directly into the muddy cotton fields. Both options met with impassable paths only suitable for tractors or road-maintainers. Such roads were certainly not made for a Ford F150 pickup truck.

I watched in fear as his steering wheel would begin turning from a reasonably navigable road into a treacherous mud field. We all were thinking but never saying, “Why?” With few exceptions, we would become stuck to the bumpers with the tires spinning futilely in the red mud. Then, we’d watch in awe as dad gunned the engine forward and reverse, holding his mouth just right, occasionally using some choice words, and finally gaining traction. First it would move inches, then a few feet, and finally we’d be unstuck, able to continue the tour.

His truck never once became so buried that dad couldn’t clear it with sheer determination, effort, and inventiveness. He never recruited nor accepted help. Watching him do this enough times, I learned the unstuck skill and even recall my own son’s amazed admiration when I freed us from a mud slick while shooting guns on the outskirts of Prosper. A street sign now marks that spot at the intersection of Braden Lane and Legacy Boulevard.

I always respected dad for his abilities to “fix” broken things and his resilience in overcoming his childhood experiences. However, success in overcoming extreme hardship can have a devastating side effect called self-reliance. Much of his life, he leaned entirely on his own strength, abilities, and knowledge. At least he thought so. Fortunately, many friends, neighbors, and family saw hope and potential in our dad. Along with our faith-filled mother, an unknown number of others refused to leave him stuck. While he was spinning, they were praying.

For years, my own prayer was that God would speak to dad in words only he could understand. We’d all encouraged his acceptance of Jesus’ invitations, but pride is a thief and it stole a lot of his life. On October 22, 2023,, I received an unexpected but overdue call. I can’t recall the exact time but will never forget dad’s words. “Son, I woke up this morning and heard a message I can’t even explain. The words weren’t new, but their meaning was clearer than ever. It was like someone speaking directly to me”. Through his tears my dad rarely revealed, I heard him say, “Son, I’m going to be in heaven with you!”

The conviction in his testimony was certain and I’m fully convinced my father had finally been freed. He spoke of only one regret in having remained “stuck” so long in his pride. It had taken our father all his life to finally become unstuck, but he didn’t do it by effort. He had surrendered. Many had extended a hand to pull or push him through, but ironically, it was in giving up that finally moved him forward.

Our father’s view had finally become cleared from the distorted lens he’d worn so long and he was finally able to see Jesus. I’d give anything to have been there to witness their meeting, but I’m joyful in knowing our son watched it. In awe, I can imagine him reunited with his Pop who had finally become unstuck.

Pop and Braden

Reader: If this story rings familiar, we pray Jesus’ standing invitation is one you’ll consider accepting. Our dad’s story is testament to the fact that it’s never too late. A relationship is all He seeks and it’s completely free. Praying for those stuck today.

Questions Without Answers

Mark Speed8 Comments

“ Why!” – Braden’s dad

“If you aren’t getting the right answer, maybe you’re asking the wrong question.” – Braden

This just couldn’t be true.

A social media post on July Fourth began, “Prayers for the kids lost in the Guadeloupe River flood last night”. Scrolling to find similar mentions, I found nothing and hoped it was just a fake story. It wasn’t. The national news quickly had it on every outlet. A story impossible to believe yet too real to ignore. Thus far, around 50 people are either lost or drowned. Many were children attending a Christian youth camp still not found. A large number of fatalities have been confirmed and the numbers will rise. Tragedies like these once felt distant, but they now hit close to home.

Several years ago, I handled accident claims in the Hill Country. Many Texans consider this part of the state to be “God’s country”, but I know firsthand that its beauty can mask the dangers and sometimes, tragedy. On many occasions, I had the difficult job of meeting personally with people who had experienced the loss of family members and too often their own children. Some were drowned in high water crossings. Others were survivors of their elderly parent(s), lost to car accidents on narrow winding roads. One of my saddest cases involved a teenager who had been driving her little brother to a Christian camp outside Marble Falls when she missed a sharp curve and went over an embankment into a deep canyon. Both kids were gone instantly. Their parents met with me, but neither said a word. Other stories were too disturbing to share, but I recall each one. The eyes of every parent contained the same despair, but there was something else behind their shocked stares. Confusion. They all had the same unanswerable question. Why would a loving God allow this to happen?

Watching such horrors happening to others, I still remember thinking, how do these people continue to even breathe? How might I deal with such devastation if it happened to my family? I could never have imagined at the time that one day I’d look down and see the shoes of those devastated parents on my feet. For several years following our loss, I saw in my mirror that same blank stare. Behind my eyes, the same impossible question. Why!

This weekend, Cathy and I have talked together about the question God has heard a billion times. Specifically, how could He allow such tragedy to happen even to innocent children? They had likely gone to bed after singing Kum ba Yah, making s’mores, and giggling themselves to sleep. For no reason we can fathom, in an instant their innocent dreams turned into nightmares and death.

Honestly, events like these lead me wonder if there’s someone out there, finally ready to crack open the door to Jesus who will now slam it shut. Even some of the faithful directly impacted by this tragedy will do just that. Cathy knows the Bible better than most and is especially insightful on spiritual things. I asked her about it, needing something more than, “We just won’t know until we get to Heaven.” Her reply was pretty much the same, though. “We’ll never fully understand God’s thinking with our human mind”. Although I hated the answer, she was right.

With no satisfactory answer possible, maybe instead of asking God this question, we should be asking ourselves a different one, which can and should be answered in every life…

“When bad things happen to good people, how should we respond? There are only two options: Draw towards God or turn away from Him. This question isn’t one we ask of Him but one He asks each of us. It’s a question that certainly begs an answer.

When we surrender our lives to God, the deal doesn’t come with an exemption from the sorrows of this fallen earthly world. Those are outside our control. He does however provide His promises, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That He is with us in the storm. He had us write down His promises for the times we’ll need reminding, like this weekend after a raging Texas flood. None of these promises are assurance of a trouble free existence, though. In fact we’re guaranteed to have sorrows and trials in this world. His Word is there to assure us that even through the valleys of death, He is always with us every step of the way. Most importantly, His promises aren’t subject to temporary conditions, be they weather or any other. They’re eternal.

When flood waters recede, buildings will be rebuilt and lives will begin healing. Some will continually ask the futile Why question and possibly never resurface from the storm. Others will look to God’s promises and rise above the surface to become stronger than they ever thought possible. I’m confident the new homes God has been preparing well ahead of time will be occupied by the sweet souls of God’s children. Those left behind will have opportunities to serve as bold witnesses to what God can do with storms when we keep our eyes on Him.

Prayer for the lost (and found): Heavenly Father, we can never understand the vastness of Your mind by using the ones You gave us. In the aftermath of devastating storms in this life, help us reach up for Your hand so we won’t go under. For these families, we pray for comfort, provision, protection, and purpose to arise out of such senseless tragedy. Only You can heal such hurts. Thank You for assurance through the promise of peace beyond understanding and a hope for tomorrow with You. Amen

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phillippians 4:6-7

God’s Back

Mark SpeedLeave a comment

Since I can recall, our mother has risen each morning, often ahead of the sun to spend time alone with God. Rarely has she missed a single day. Mom has a small reading room in their home, and anytime I visit and roll out of bed early enough, I can count on seeing a light emitting from under her door. Without going in, I know what she’s doing and it always inspires and gives me a sense of peace for some reason. I have come to believe there isn’t a better way to greet each new day than a talk with God and a chance for Him to talk with me. As often happens, children emulate what they see their parents doing. Not always, but in most cases this is a good thing.

Several years ago, after losing our son I began waking at ridiculously early hours from a bad dream or futile effort to sleep at all. I began following the example I’d seen by spending one-on-one time with God in those anxious hours. As with most habits, if something is found helpful for coping with difficulty, I tend to fall into it. Although many such habits can become unhealthy, this one has been life changing.

This one-on-one time usually begins with a short scripture from the Bible app. The day’s message pops up first, then a brief video clip providing some context and life application, followed with a prayer. Often, something completely unexpected yet useful is revealed in the process. I guess God best understands what we need and opening His word allows the opportunity for it to happen. Last week, I stumbled upon such a message through a short reference in the Old Testament.

In Exodus, Moses is having his own time with God on a mountaintop. Interestingly, it was very early in the morning and with all he had going on I bet he hadn’t slept much the night before either. Caught up in the moment, Moses asks God to reveal His face. You would think a meeting with the Creator of all things would be enough, but Moses wanted to get even closer. God responds to this request in an unusual way, and though hearing this story all my life, I had never made a subtle connection before happening upon it once again that morning.

God tells Moses that He will pass before him but won’t show His face. However, He allows Moses to see His back. That’s always seemed odd to me. Here is the passage:

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name, ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But”, he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live”. And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.” –Exodus 33: 18-23

Having heard this story since childhood, I never understood why God would only let someone see His back. And why would God be telling Moses to stand in the cleft of a rock? What would God’s back even look like? Then I re-read the same scripture again, but this time capitalizing the “R”. As in the Rock.

Could it be possible that 2000 years before God came to Earth in human form, He was already telling Moses what we now call the Good News? Jesus passed near mankind for only a brief few years. If we will stand upon our faith in this Rock, we will be protected from the effects of this world. Only after God’s hand (Jesus) was taken away, could mankind fully realize the sacrifice made for us, and this was most evident in the scars on His back. No, we aren’t able to see God’s face in this world, but can be assured of seeing it in the next.

I’m certainly no Bible scholar and much of the Old Testament has always seemed dry, but for some reason that morning, these words stood off the page, revealing something completley new. That’s the way God works. Though something has been there all along, we too often don’t slow down and take the time to see it. To me, it’s like a lot of other things such as Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, etc. These happen every year, but until not that long ago, they were just another holiday. Each has now become far more meaningful as I’ve come to learn what they represent.

Easter serves as a reminder that God came to confirm His love for us by sacrificing Himself in our place. Most importantly, He showed Himself to be more powerful than even death, so that we may have eternal life if we simply accept the offer. Now, that’s something to celebrate!

Easter Prayer: God, thank you for coming into this world through Jesus. Thank you for offering Yourself as the perfect sacrifice we did not deserve. Thank You for enduring our punishment and for reminding us that if we hope to ever to look upon Your face, we must first see Your back. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the Rock.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭

Alone Together

Mark Speed1 Comment
Hope Walk

“Our Father created us for relationship. Help people understand how vital they are to God and to one another.” – Braden

The Mom-Daughter getaway wasn’t on our family calendar because Caitlin had planned it as a birthday surprise a few weeks ago. These involve the standard girl activities with spa treatments, dinner, a chick-flick binge on Netflix, and overnight at a local hotel. Cait’s been excited, but I admit feeling some guilty pleasure upon hearing it was happening this weekend. After a busy few weeks at work, it would be good to have some peace and quiet. In moderation, I think being alone can be a healthy thing. For me, it might be the rare chance to do some mindless movie binging of my own, watching shows my girls don’t care to see.

Speaking of binge TV watching, my brother put me onto a series called “Alone” where contestants are flown into Alaska or some other remote location where they’re left to live alone with no one to help them. The show awards the winner a huge money prize for out-surviving the others. The producers only provide the most basic starter supplies and then leave the person in complete isolation. Each contestant is required to film and self-document their stay which can last a few weeks or several months. At any point, they can opt out by calling it quits which means they leave the show with nothing, but can return to civilization. The filmed vignettes are later compiled and edited to entice the viewer. If “bingable” is a word, this show fits the definition. It can be difficult to watch yet almost impossible not to watch.

Each person applies their own approach to surviving the harsh elements and without exception all begin their challenge with great confidence they, alone will outlast the others by relying solely upon their own abilities, strength, experience level, and intellect. Each person’s journey is certainly interesting, but one story stood out to me.

It was a father whose son was autistic. As this father’s personal story developed, I kept putting myself in his boots. We learn that his goal from the outset wasn’t to gain glory by winning the contest, but rather to get the funds needed to best help his child. As the weeks become months, the man outperforms the others and sustains very well physically. Then he begins to grasp what he’d been missing all along. Even more than money, his son needed his father. In the end, he finally learns that their relationship was far more valuable than money or anything else. Although it wasn’t shown, when the son saw his father finally arriving home, I can only imagine their reunion.

Recently, our local school held a district-wide event called the “Hope Walk”. Students from every school from elementary through high school joined together for a rally around a program called Hope Squad. No matter where you may live, if you parent a school student, work in a school, or have concern about school culture but haven’t heard about Hope Squad, you should. This is a uniquely impactful peer-to-peer program. It came to our district through the efforts of parents of children who we’ve lost and by the willingness of district leaders who are determined to proactively help stem the growing crisis of mental health in our youth.

When I woke that Saturday before the Hope Walk event, Caitlin was sick so Cathy had to stay home. I hesitated to go but something told me it was important. Honestly, I didn’t look forward to seeing the bright eyed and thriving teens. I tend to superimpose Braden’s face on theirs which brings a too familiar sting. Still, somehow I owed it to our son to be there in support of such a good thing. When I saw those teens that day, it was through different eyes. This time, they weren’t crying from grief, but with joy and sincere gratitude to God for delivering on His promise.

When I arrived at the football stadium that morning, I had been prepared to walk alone, but during the opening presentation, I noticed a neighbor standing nearby who was attending along with their two young kids. Later, I learned one had been elected to the Hope Squad in his school. Years prior, this family had accepted our invitation to walk with us for a similar community event and this time, they invited me to walk with theirs. It was amazing to see the turn out that morning but especially confirming to observe and to hear stories about how this program continues to benefit other kids. I think Braden may have actually been walking alongside me that morning, but if he was too busy in heaven, I am certain he would approve!

Learning about Relationship: We’ve learned a few very important lessons along our walk through this journey. Maybe these can be put to good use as parents and as people. Here are just a few of the big ones:

1) We ALL feel alone at times which is a normal part of being human. Being alone can be healthy, but isolation over time begins to rob us of what God intends. We can lose our way without others to walk with and to help us navigate life.

2) A healthy balance is important but finding, forming, and maintaining relationships with others (even just one) is a crucial piece in the puzzle of what is impacting today’s mental health crisis.

3) Since relationship is key, there is no suitable substitute for a personal and intimate relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ. He visited this world purposefully modeling the importance of relationship and by inviting us to know Him. He promised that if, instead of trying life alone, we choose to follow Him, we’ll find the only way to real and lasting truth. Most importantly, He will provide all the nourishment we need to have an abundant life.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

A Childish Wishlist

Mark Speed3 Comments

“The most valuable gifts have no price tag.”- Braden

Our daughter, Caitlin’s 18th birthday is on Christmas Eve. These two giving occasions coincide each year and especially now that she’s no longer a child, we’re running out of gift ideas. Thankfully, she’s always thoughtful to provide us with a wishlist!

We posted this last year but thought it timely to reshare. Maybe a new reader could use it this Christmas season or others may need a reminder. I certainly do.

Recently, a young mom at my office asked BradensVoice to contribute an article on parenting for their company newsletter. I thought a lot about how to provide something of use for new parents just beginning their journey. The article needed to be brief yet practical. The question kept coming to mind: If Cathy and I were new parents today, wouldn’t it be helpful to have a list of do’s and don’ts from others who had insights from their own experiences?

Each Christmas season, most of us form wishlists for our children, hoping to surprise them with something they’ll treasure and maybe even use for awhile. Even with our best intentions, most will be discarded once the gifts are opened and the new has become worn. I began to consider what all children might ask for if they could get something that could remain with them always.

Arriving at the office that morning, I quickly began writing down thoughts before they faded. Later, our daughter reviewed the list for edits and to remove anything she felt didn’t fit the criteria. Our list is certainly not all-inclusive and each parent will have unique edits or additions. That is as it should be. Forming such a written list has been humbling to this parent. Still, taking stock helps and we all learn as we go. That’s an important part of the job.

Our prayer in this season of giving is that readers might choose one or two of these free gift ideas to give away to those we love the most.

Mom and dad, these are things we really NEED… love, your kids

Faith and Family

Walk consistently in your faith. We’re watching to see if the rules you follow on Sunday still apply on Monday.

Help us to personally know Jesus and to discern the difference between religion about Him vs. relationship with Him.

Encourage us to become active in a youth group and help us find the right one. We need a support group of peers who share our faith as we navigate our teenage years.

Sing out loud in church because we’re watching. If what the preacher says is such “Good News”, shouldn’t you be really happy about it?

Time and Connection

We can sometimes feel alone and out of touch in our world, so never stop giving us your hugs and kisses, even when we squirm or complain.

Make a priority of family time over work time. Both are important but not equal.

Have fun and be silly sometimes – laughter is the best painkiller.

Wisdom

We will eventually realize you didn’t have all the right answers, but we’ll always be grateful you helped us to learn from mistake and grow in wisdom.

Teach us about keeping healthy boundaries against the world’s temptations and toxic people.

Help us learn how to choose our friends because they will influence our future.

Remind us that our identity is not determined by anything or anyone other than our Creator.

Let us know there is a difference between reacting and responding.

Communication

Let us know that no subject is taboo, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. If we can’t work through our questions with you, we’ll look for answers elsewhere.

Listen at least twice as long you speak.

In conflict, we’re the kids, so you be the adult.

Try not to curse – language is primarily learned by hearing.

You are our mirrors, so reflect what you want to see in us.

Security

Build and maintain a healthy marriage. It won’t happen without work and you may need to ask for some help.

As our parents, please share the same map. We’ll be confused with two conflicted navigators.

Believe in us even when we disappoint you, because we will.

Create and keep family traditions – They make us feel secure.

In arguments, remember our walls are thinner than you think. Let us see you make up so we can know that families will disagree, but that’s ok.

When we leave to make our own home, keep a place for us in yours.

This list isn’t complete, but the most important thing to emphasize to any parent, new or old? Children are their parents’ most valuable gifts, but we only get to hold them for a brief moment. Enjoy the time and make the most of it! 🎁

‘Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ‘ – Proverbs 22:6

About Our Anchor

Mark Speed2 Comments

“Dad, I know it’s hard to keep the hope, but you’ll find more of your own if you give just a little to someone else”. – Braden

“In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.” – Corrie Ten Boom

“Cathy, why did you give me a necklace?” – Braden’s dad

“God Winks”. That’s what some people call them. Maybe it’s because such moments are too perfectly timed. Like a quick glimpse of our Creator, it’s like He’s grinning, “See? I told you”. These subtle winks are often delivered when least expected, but they’re always confirming to our faith. They seem to happen more frequently lately and we hang onto each one, knowing they’ll be needed as an anchor of certainty when the storms of doubt arise. Several weeks ago was just another example of such a “wink” as a brewing storm approached for our family. Another perfectly timed reminder that God doesn’t forget about our storms and will always remain steady if we will just choose to trust and take hold of Him.

It was early October as we neared yet one more annual date of remembrance. The dreaded day before Halloween which is an anniversary we’d prefer to forget. On such occasions, our family doesn’t talk much about it, but we all quietly plan ahead by taking time out of our routine just to be together and to recall the good memories. The lighter side of what Braden brought into our world. Still, we know the day will arrive with pain, quiet tears, and the ever-present “What if’s” that come when we lose someone who left by their own choice. By now, one might expect such dates would finally have dissolved into just another day, but that may likely never happen. I suppose it should not.

“BradensVoice” hadn’t been invited to speak in a few months and although support for our homegrown non-profit remained strong, the voice had been silent. Then, just days before the approaching anniversary, I received two separate messages out of thin air from complete strangers. The first was from a youth leader of a local church. One of its members had attended a BradensVoice talk we’d held for their kids a few years earlier. A new crop of teens needed to hear some truths from someone with experience on a subject about which we have come to know too well. When I asked what date their Youth Night was held, you might guess… it was on Wednesday night, October 30th. The youth minister hadn’t known this and preferred to move our visit to another week. After talking it over though, we all agreed there could be no better way to honor our boy. When better could we talk openly to young people about the value of their lives, the terrible long-term impact of such an impetuous decision, and most importantly the certain anchor upon which they could always rely.

Cathy and I went together and I’m proud of her for taking this step. To say the least, neither of us will forget that night. After our talk, over 50-75 kids, parents, and teachers poured onto the stage to pray over us. It was the most amazing experience to feel each of their hearts reaching into ours. Words really can’t convey our emotions and gratefulness for this invitation particularly on that day. Each hand placed on our shoulders on that cold and dark October night were confirming this had been the perfect timing. I think Braden must have personally asked God to send his family something we didn’t know was needed. Help and hope. Only a loving and understanding God could know best how and when to deliver such an invitation.

The second contact was from a woman who had tragically lost her own brother. She was the 2024 chairperson for a local event held annually by a national foundation for awareness. The fundraiser walk also brings together hundreds of people each year who support and encourage each other. Within days following our loss, this same event had been my first opportunity to meet others who shared common ground. Ironically, that first walk was held on the morning of Braden’s memorial service. This year, we weren’t sure if we would be going, but this stranger had invited BradensVoice to speak. My answer was as always, “No way…Absolutely”.

This second audience wasn’t at all like the first. Instead of a group of hungering curious church kids, this would be a diverse mix of ages, cultures, backgrounds, faith, and many people who never heard about Jesus or might be angered by the mention of his name. For this reason, I was asked to keep the presentation as secular as possible. My first response to this restriction wasn’t good. After all, faith has been our ONLY reliable source of peace, purpose, and healing. A personal relationship with God was the only real answer this crowd needed, so how could I have an opportunity to share yet keep it to myself? After the initial reaction, I cooled off and decided to pray about whether to go or not. I pictured Braden standing next to Jesus when I sensed the answer: “If you refuse to reflect me, then who will?” Without thinking further, I said aloud, “Ok, guys”.

As I went over the notes early the following morning, I just kept hearing those words, “Reflect Me”. Getting dressed to leave for the event, I noticed something next to the sink in our dressing room. Cathy had bought each of us a silver necklace with an anchor attached to the chain. Not being a person who wears jewelry, I’d kept mine on the counter for years. Suddenly, I knew the purpose of this gift. “Why don’t you just wear this so it can be seen?”

The “speech” that morning was themed around the Titanic tragedy and why a sunken ship is still remembered more than 100 years later. It was about a beautiful creation, branded as “Unsinkable”. Even though people made every effort and spared no expense to ensure it wouldn’t sink, it did. I recalled stories of passengers who had been fortunate to grab a seat on a lifeboat but desperately rowed away to avoid being pulled down by the vacuum caused by the sunken ship. I talked about the few courageous survivors who chose instead to stay even though it involved risk, to help others still drowning.

Although, I felt the message was hopeful to a crowd of survivors, I’m confident it was quickly forgotten by most. Still, I didn’t get to share what I had wanted to say and what I believe someone desperately needed to hear. Sadly, I had to keep those words to myself. However, one thing I hadn’t kept hidden that morning was there for all to see, it was hanging right near my heart. The story I really wanted to tell and the reflection I hope others observed that day wasn’t as much about sunken ships as it was about our anchor.

Our daughter is not yet ready to attend such talks although I sense that she may someday have a story to tell all her own. When I got home that afternoon, she asked if I told people about Jesus. My answer was that I just showed up but He did all the talking. If you were there that Saturday and wondered about my brief mention of our family’s anchor, it was not the one I wore around my neck. I invited you to reach out so we could share more and our prayer today is that you will do so. We too are survivors but we aren’t paddling away. Although we can’t save anyone, we can certainly tell you Who saved us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the only true and certain anchor in the storms. Thank you for always being there when our world fails, which it certainly will. Thank you for coming into this world in human form so we humans could stand a better chance of understanding and knowing You. Our prayer is that someone who is drowning today will just take hold of Your hand. Amen

All We Have to Give

Mark Speed4 Comments
Lee and Sherry Sims

My friend wasn’t a millionaire but I always perceived him to be wealthy. He was fortunate to find a frugal help mate and blessed that she accepted his marriage proposal. Throughout their life together, Sherry worked to keep his spending in check, but he considered money as a tool primarily to be used for enjoyment of life and to help others in need. I could take a lesson from my friend. Ultimately, he gave others everything. Maybe that’s why I considered him to be rich.

I first met Lee in 1996. His friendship was just one part of a package deal. Before I met Cathy, she had a group of very close friends in the Kingwood, Texas area. They had been more like family to her and after we married, they would become the same to me. I found this group to be refreshingly strange. Something I’d never experienced. They were deeply connected (even the husbands) and equally committed to being there for one another, no matter the circumstances nor distance. They were fully transparent about life’s struggles yet unconditional, respectful, and supportive of each other. Very rare. I found it novel that when they gathered for a party or other occasion, instead of drinking, they prayed together. I came to soon realize how I far preferred their variety of parties to those I’d experienced in the past.

The most unusual thing I experienced with them was a shared sense of real faith and clear purpose… to reflect Jesus to others. They have certainly been a reflection on my own life. All to say, Cathy’s “family” was a package deal and an unexpected gift. That’s how I met my friend, Lee.

Over the years of career moves, we often lived on opposite sides of the state. Lee and I were both too busy providing for our families to connect as much as we later came to regret. Still, I knew Lee treasured his family more than anything in life. He kept his priorities of faith, family, and friends so tightly bound together, they were impossible to separate. Recently, he and Sherry had moved into a newly built home and they were blessed to spend time together with their whole family on a trip to Europe (compliments of Sherry’s brilliant way of managing things). That trip was only weeks before he left on a different trip. We recently saw Lee for the last time at his church where we joined with others to say our temporary goodbyes.

Before leaving us, Lee gave everything he had. Ultimately, he even gave his life while on a mission to help the Georgia hurricane victims. Following a planning meeting with several community and church leaders, he had been eager to finally catch a plane home. He excitedly called Sherry to update her about what God was doing and the plans he saw unfolding to build temporary housing for those left homeless. He told her that he would never say no when God needed him to do anything. He was determined to hear the words, “you have done well” by his Heavenly Father.

Before he reached the airport, a service truck also providing help for the hurricane relief, suddenly crashed into his rental car. Lee never reached the airport that afternoon and sadly, he wasn’t able to return to their beautiful new home. My friend had taken an unexpected detour to a far more beautiful Home.

In service to others, my friend had left behind a wife and two beautiful children, Ashley and Stephanie. As we hugged them, I noticed a familiar strength and determination in their eyes. I’d seen this in the eyes of my wife and daughter just six years earlier when we lost our boy. Knowing it ourselves, we encouraged Lee’s family to hold fast to their faith. We’re confident they will rebuild their lives stronger and will continue the legacy of serving others with even more determination. Lee spent his life on a mission for a higher purpose and those closest to him can hold confidently to the knowledge that they’re only apart for a short time. They are certain of a joyful reunion.

I’ve struggled to understand when I first heard of the loss of my friend why I didn’t feel sad. I was certainly shocked, but strangely I wasn’t sorrowful. This isn’t something I’ve wanted to admit, but it’s important and I’ve really struggled to understand. All my life, I’ve heard it said at funerals, “They’re in a better place” but to be honest, I’ve harbored questions about it, considering it to be a nice thing to say in an awkward moment.

It’s been six years now since we had such a loss and each day in my mind, I’ve considered the question, especially losing a child: “When we die, do I really believe we go to Heaven?” Through these years of hurting and healing, our family has only survived one day at a time by drawing closer to faith, not as a crutch to lean on but rather as a foundation to stand. I can’t effectively convey to anyone how confident and strong God has confirmed that foundation and His answer to my question. Heaven is indeed more real even than this world.

In fact, my confidence in the reality of Heaven has become so strong that my first thought about my friend wasn’t sadness, but joy (and to be honest, a little envy). Lee had lived a life starving to give everything he had for the Kingdom which I now know to be a real place. When those two vehicles met on a rural Georgia highway, I visualize Lee barging into Heaven with his face radiating with more joy than he’d ever humanly imagined. The first words I bet he said? “I’m home! How can I help?” But the reply, I believe was something he’d wanted to hear and nourishment to his hungering heart: “Welcome Home, child. Your work is done my good and faithful servant”.

Trey, Ashley, grandbaby Jackson, Sherry, Stephanie, and Lee

I thank God for giving me the unexpected and undeserved gift of friends like the Sims family and the package deal of many like them in our world. We’re blessed by those who choose to serve as a reflection of Jesus to others who need to meet Him face to face. They help assure those of us who have been lost that when we leave here, there’s a far better Home awaiting.

Readers– We can make a difference in our world by giving all we have to someone in desperate need. The opportunities are endless and the return on such an investment can never be matched.

Prayer– God, thank You for the Lee’s in this world. Please take care of those who are left behind while temporarily separated by death and renew our hope of an unimaginable reunion. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ‭

““His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬

Learning to Trust

Mark Speed3 Comments

The blessings God gives us are limited only by the trust we give Him. – Braden’s dad

On a recent flight for family vacation, I took a mental side-trip. Here we were in this sealed metal tube, hurtling through the air at 500mph over an ocean at 30,000 feet all while calmly munching on snacks and enjoying an inflight movie. That’s pretty amazing in itself, but then something else occurred to me. We hadn’t met, much less seen the person flying our plane!

I have a light case of claustrophobia and work in a 15-story office tower. If, while riding the elevator it suddenly just stopped mid-floor, I’d go nuts but that wouldn’t be the end of the world. However, if a cable snapped at that height, no one would survive the fall. Still, I rarely choose to take the stairs although they’re much easier to understand and technically more reliable than elevators. These are just two very simplistic examples out of thousands where, without hesitation, we daily trust our very lives to things unseen or only minimally understood.

Now, try asking someone if they can simply trust in the God who created these things along with the very laws of mechanics and physics making them all possible. It’s a fairly safe bet that person will think you’re weird or slightly insane. Why do we blindly trust without seeing nor fully understanding in temporal circumstances, yet stubbornly withhold our trust in something far more vital and eternal like our Creator?

Maybe it’s because we all began life with a nature of trust that immediately began to diminish from day one. Our unique life experiences quickly begin re-teaching us that trust should only be given when something or someone proves they won’t ever fail us. I’ve come to realize, as vital as oxygen is to our existence, trust is a the key element we all must have to truly live. Without trust, our days are filled with suspicion, dysfunction. isolation, and emptiness. Trust offers connection/ relationship, confidence, fullness, and joy. There are few things more valuable yet more damaging to a life than when trust is lost. I can say this with confidence because I lived that way most of my life. Sadly, I know a lot of people who still do. Having learned too well how to distrust, they just go on breathing but not really living.

Through too many trials and errors to mention, I’ve learned a few things. The most valuable of those is that this unseen and often misunderstood God is more real than anything our physical senses can comprehend. He is bigger than any temporary circumstance and can be relied upon even when I may feel betrayed or disappointed by the world. He is far more gracious, loving, forgiving, unconditional, and permanent than any earthly offering. All said, I have come to trust God because He has proven to be trustworthy. I can personally recommend Him to anyone who may be interested.

It’s ironic how the last thing most non-believers immediately turn to when planes fall out of the sky or when elevators drop to the ground, is God. What would our lives, our families, and our communities be like if, instead of waiting until the world fails us, we could learn to first simply rely on Him.

Prayer: God, words escape me when I consider who you are. Thank you for never being intimidated by our doubts. You see and understand what we all wrestle with. Help us fill our minds with truth, strengthening our trust by learning and leaning on you. You are as close as our next breath and more vital to life than air. Thanks for understanding us enough to come into our world as a man so we can know and trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“The father cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief”. Mark 9:24

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭

Fore-Giving

Mark Speed2 Comments

We all sometimes face perceived injustices or mistreatment by others. Our human nature is to appear unharmed while pridefully hoping for revenge. The Bible says we’re supposed to pray for our enemies and by so doing, we heap burning coals on their heads. Isn’t that just some kind of righteous revenge, though? I don’t know exactly what the coals are about, but hurting others can’t be what Jesus intended. Yes, we were probably done some injustice and momentarily it would feel satisfying to see the wrongdoer hurt, but would that jolt of justice bring about any good? Revenge only brings more damage. The Bible talks a lot about fire serving to heal or to cleanse. Maybe that’s where the “coals” come in? I really don’t know.

I have learned something too long misunderstood about Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, though. This word always meant just moving on and living with the injury. Being hobbled by a low blow yet standing up as if healed. I’ve come to realize that healthy forgiving is about “fore”-giving… before (or in most instances, without) the wrongdoer asking for it. In time and with practice, we can learn to “give” these perceived wrongdoings to God. Justice is His job, not ours. His concern, and His perfect plan will attach any justice if owed. “Fore-giving” in such a way is a wise, healthy, and humble choice. Forgiving in this way certainly kills pride. And wasn’t it pride that was the problem all along?

One of my daily prayers is for full healing. Not just physical but mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. I’m finally learning that to forgive fully, the role of “justice enforcer” isn’t mine. This job has to be delegated to God. Didn’t Jesus show this kind of love to the world on the cross that bloody day when He died be-fore we were even conceived? He knew our sin would otherwise be unforgivable. Betrayed by his closest friends, falsely accused and executed, yet completely innocent, Jesus chose to sacrifice not only His pride, but his life for ME. With His final gasp for air, Jesus was begging fore-giveness for us! That’s so amazing and beyond our capacity.
Most of our perceived harms are minuscule by comparison. Still, what would our lives, our families, our marriages, our communities, and the world look like if our prayers were FOR our enemies rather than AGAINST them? Check the daily news. Our way certainly isn’t working. Maybe His Way is worth a try.

PRAYER: God, help us learn to forgive like You showed us through your Son. To love those who do wrong against us. Help us shift our motivation from prideful revenge into unselfish healing. As we lead our families and live out our lives, help us model this so those watching can follow by example and learn that we must be both “fore-GIVEN” AND “fore-GIVERS”. Amen