"Remember Your Last Name"

When I was in school I took a marriage and family class that was strangely anti marriage and family. It was pure torture to sit through that class, listening to the hateful comments my classmates made and pray that I would forget the things they said. Even the textbook had a pretty strong stance against men. I never understood it. After all, for the complete development of children don't we need both a strong female and male influence? I realize that sometimes this isn't exactly possible. We live in a fallen world, and that shows itself in our broken and hurting relationships. Unfortunately, there are many situations in which mom and/or dad are not able to safely be in the picture. So then the influence comes from outside the home. 

Recognizing this as a sad truth, however, also allows us to recognize the importance of having mom and dad in our lives. It's a situation in which the lack of something proves its importance. In my job I have the opportunity to meet and interact with a lot of fathers. In the course of meeting all these dads I have come to a realization: My dad is pretty special.

It's true! I am so blessed to have a dad like mine.  Let me tell you just some of the things he's done for me through the years.  My dad said my prayer with me most nights until I was in high school, and he woke me up with a song every morning until I left for college.  He made breakfast Monday through Friday, and set out all the vitamins I needed to take.  He played "spy" with me in Costco.  He taught me that it's a good thing to be able to laugh at myself, and at those around me - he taught me to develop and keep my sense of humor.  He explained to me that sometimes all we can do is just "hang on" until things get better.  He let me know that crying is absolutely not a weakness, and is gracious enough to let me get tears and mascara on his shirt.  I will never forget the evening he came and sat next to me on the couch and explained that if that "security guard" at school didn't leave me alone I could stand with him, and my brothers, and my uncles as they talked to him.  He taught me that as much as we hassle and bicker within the family we rally the troops and circle the wagons if someone attacks from outside the family.  We always look out for our crew, regardless of how frustrated we might be with them.  He taught me that following the Lord, while not always easy, is always right, and there are so many ways to experience Him throughout even simple, seemingly mundane things.

My family, like most, has a lot of family lore - stories we pass down through the generations.  There are the funny ones: the ones no one can tell or hear without laughing so hard we can't breathe.  There are the scary ones: the ones no one can hear without thinking, He actually did that???  We have quotes that are passed down and said, sometimes as a joke ("I don't make trash like you; I burn it."), but other times in true seriousness: "Remember your last name." 

Everything we do reflects back on our family.  It doesn't matter whether the people who see us know our parents or not, they will forever associate the Braun name with our actions.  Remember your last name.  Do not forget that you carry with you a heritage of faith, strength, loyalty, goofiness, justice, perseverance, and love.  Remember your last name.  Keep the faith.  And always look out for your crew. 

Yeah.  My dad taught me that.  Happy Father's Day, Daddy.  I love you SO much!!

Just my dad's old practice jersey from college.  I keep it in my room.  It's a constant reminder of all those lessons.  And I LOVE it.