Brotherhood—The grounding of this married man

January 30, 2025 • 241 views

"Brotherhood"—The grounding of this married man. #lovingyourself"

I was at a meeting recently, and we started discussing marriage. I told the guys I would have been married for 15 years this year, 2025! These guys then proceeded to ask me what my advice would be in my 15 years of being married to Niki. It took me a little moment to think about it, and then I said, "Brotherhood."

I have two sets of very close brothers in my life.

One set knew me before Niki came into my life! We don’t see each other much, but we communicate a lot. We bring up jokes from the past to keep us humble.

The other set of brothers I see almost twice a week, in person and online.

This set of brothers, all I need to say is J E and they will recite the Apostle’s creed!

I love them so much. Most times I just want to be in their company so I can hear them speak and learn!

Niki and I love each other. There isn’t anything she doesnt know about me; I don’t keep any secrets from her, but there are some conversations that aren’t as rich when I have them with her.

“He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. Invest in relationships that strengthen you; give time to your relationships. Give love, beloved!”

— Proverbs 13:20 AMP

In summary

My brothers have similar desires to me, so our conversations are sharpening. Some of those conversations bring laughter and joy to me; also, some of those conversations make my roots deeper in the scriptures and in the love of Christ.