For Nate

Nate and I make up what we call the “black hair gang”. As the two dark headed children in the Townsend family we are always on the same team. 

When he was born I remember thinking that baby had come to our family just for me. I was protective of him and I loved having him close. 

I have my own little boy now and people say he looks like Nate. I can only think of one greater compliment: that he acts like Nate too. 

My little brother inspires me. He is good. He is kind. He is hardworking. Every once in a while I am reminded just how good he really is. 

One day Jake, Nate, and I were talking baseball. He let slip to me that before each game he pitched he would read the Bible story in 1 Samuel 17- David and Goliath. He said it always helped him play better. 

I love that story. David, the young shepherd underdog takes down 9 foot 9 Goliath, the biggest and meanest the Philistines had to offer. When everyone else saw an insurmountable challenge, David had faith and turned to God to help him win. He does win. One stone takes down the giant Goliath and the Children of Israel are once again free. 

I love my brother for much more than just baseball and his scripture study habits. 

These past few months have been tough on him. Since receiving an inspired mission call it has seemed that he has been bombarded with bad luck. From colleges withdrawing offers because of his two year decision, an injured knee, and a lost state championship, he has had some tough days. It’s hard not to look at such a good boy doing all the right things and wonder why God hasn’t blessed him. Why hasn’t he taken down Goliath? 

The story of David and Goliath is important, not just because of David and his big win with God’s help, but because of what this story represents, what it points to. 

Do you know who David is? He is a boy from Bethlehem who would grow to become the King of Israel. In fact, many years down the line, a very special person would be born to his family. 

Jesus Christ Himself. 
He would be born in David’s hometown and would grow to face a bigger, meaner Goliath than David did. 
He would face death and sin, and He would win. 
The biggest win there was or would be. 
And because He won, our losses are wins too. 

I don’t want to take away from the sorrow we feel in the upset moments of our lives. Sometimes it feels like Goliath is winning. Sometimes we have bad luck. Sometimes it feels like things are at their worst when we are trying our hardest to do what is right. 

I don’t know why we have to have those moments. I do know, without a doubt in my mind, that He will make it up to us, because Jesus Christ won. 

Jesus Christ won. 

I love my little brother. I look forward to the good things he’ll do and I’m proud of who he has become. Even when things don’t quite seem to go his way he is GOOD. 

I hope Hank is just like him. That would make me happy.

​Black-hair gang forever dude. I love you.