Big Brother is Watching

"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."  Proverbs 17:17

I love my big brother.

As a kid growing up, my brother was always my fiercest defender, protector, and an all-around great God-loving, God-fearing guy.  When he got his driver's license and bought his first car, he toted me, my sister and our friends around our small East Texas town wherever we wanted to go--without complaint.  He even carried my french horn case from the band hall after school each day, and he always had my back when anyone unscrupulous came around.

When Jimmy went off to college, I missed having him around school, though he still lived at home.  Even so, he would pop up occasionally, unexpectedly to take me home from work at the local Brookshire Bros. grocery store so that I didn't have to walk home in the dark late at night.

As I moved from junior high into high school without the benefit of big brother around, I felt more vulnerable.  My personal body guard was no longer around to turn and give the fearful glance.  This left me uneasy some days.  

One such day at lunchtime, which we were allowed to take off campus, I was walking across the street past the tough kids with a girlfriend of mine to buy some candy.  The kids heckled and commented as we crossed the street.  My friend decided to stay at the store and talk to some other friends, while I had to return to school for a project.  Crossing the street by myself, two of the tough kids approached me making suggestive comments and invading my personal space.  I was afraid and started to pray, asking God to protect me.  The two guys got even closer and started calling me names.  My heart was racing and I started walking extra fast, hoping they would just leave me alone--but, they didn't.  They kept taunting me, gesturing, and touching me to see how I would react.  

Just then, my big brother appeared out of the shadows.

"Is everything alright here?" he asked.

The two meanies immediately backed off and returned to their group, but not before my brother told them to leave his little sister alone.  That if they didn't, they would have him to deal with.  I never felt uneasy at school again.

Do you ever need a big brother?

Over time I've learned that God is even better than the best big brother.

Psalm 34:7 says, "For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." 

Psalm 72:12 promises, "He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them."

And, in speaking of His protection of the poor and needy, the Holy Bible tells us, "For the Lord is their defender.  He will ruin anyone who ruins them" (Proverbs 22:23).

If you are in need of a big brother today, let me remind you that Big Brother is watching, listening, and cares about every little detail that happens to you.  May you call upon the name of the Lord when you need a defender today and every day.

Goodnight, Runners.