"Happy Birthday, Brandy!"

Today is Brandy’s birthday and Wedding Anniversary! Some of you may be new to Morning Devotionals and are not familiar with my practice to use the special days of my family members to inspire the days’ thoughts. Brandy is Kyle’s wife, mom to the twins, Faith and Logan. I have two daughters-in-law, Brandy and Becca. I am proud to be able to call both of them members of my family. Today I honor Brandy with a thought centered on her name.

There are two origins that catch my attention. The first is actually from the Italian surname of Brandi. The meaning is “sword.” The other is more Americanized, and it means “beacon of light.” Both have application when I think of the tremendous influence that she has had with both my son and grandchildren. It calls me to the following Scripture:

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:25-29 NIV).

Perhaps the greatest attributes any of us could aspire to possess are in the area of our family. For a very long time I have been committed to the restoration of the family according to the Biblical design God reveals to us. That involves wisdom and faithful instruction. I remember days long ago, when Kyle and Brandy were still in high school. They were dating in those days. Almost anyone who knew them very well picked them to eventually marry. It was no surprise and a complete delight when they formally made their announcement to us. I knew she would be a great wife to our son. And years later when the news of the birth of Faith and Logan, I can say with complete confidence that there was never a concern that she would not be a great mom. The years have proven me correct.

But why? What lessons can we learn so that we can be the kinds of spouse and parents that God would have us to be? Look again at the two phrases: wisdom and faith instruction. When I think of “sword,” I think of the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And, doesn’t that fit perfectly with faithful instruction? If you want to be the kind of parent God desires, then practice wise instruction with your children. Love them without boundaries. Teach them consistently. Accept them without prejudice. When you do these things, you can be a beacon of light to them. You can lead them through the challenges of life with success and victory. I am grateful that is the path Brandy has chosen. Happy Birthday, Brandy! Happy Anniversary to both Kyle and Brandy! Thanks for being the sword and beacon of light in your family!