This Piece Of Chocolate is a very special tribute to my brother who is now in the company of Christ. A Piece Of Chocolate 7-4-08 Freedom I love how God puts people in our lives at the perfect time. My brother David is no exception. When I was in the 6th grade my sister picked me up with her fiancé, (at the time), after a rough day at school. She took me to this park that had a merry-go-round and some really pretty ponds. Her significant other told me that if I wanted to make a wish that I could but I would have to do a few things to make sure that my plea was effective and thus my wish would be answered. So he gave me a penny and made me hop around in a circle with my eyes closed on one foot. Then he made me bend over forward and then backward to toss my penny in the pond. After looking like a complete goof…like usual, I tossed my penny in. People can now know that having a baby brother was my wish. I knew that my parents would never have any other kids unless Jesus really wanted it to happen. Two years later, living in Seoul, Korea, on Christmas eve, I got two brothers. David was one year younger than me…my baby brother. I didn’t know at the time that the boy whose tush I had kicked playing basketball, was going to be my brother. David and I became best friends and got in all kinds of trouble. He was fantastic, but only on loan to me. I had to give him back to the Lord. The Bible says that Jesus came to set the captives free. Freedom. To be free from addiction, affliction, and suffering. Freedom from death because Christ gave us all a way when there was none. The Bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Girls, it is so true. In the midst of despair, Christ’s perspective of my brother has been so refreshing, healing, and has given me the liberty that only his salvation gives. Oh my sisters, be encouraged. If you’re bound up in spirit, devastated, crushed, discouraged, or feel like your emotions are irrecoverable, Jesus came for you. He is the Great Physician of troubled minds, hardened spirits, broken relationships, and any other kind of pain you could imagine. He is the Jehova Jireh, our provider…our provider of blessing, provision, healing, and restoration. During this celebration of our Nation’s birthday, let’s also remember the liberty that Christ gives to each of us…if we allow it. God bless each of you. Be safe during this 4th and keep our family in your prayers. Love, Dede