Comments on: Big Brother Bookkeeping

By: Alicia Britt Chole

Alicia Britt Chole — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:59:07 +0000

In reply to Woogena. Thank you for reading and commenting! Yes, it may be that there is a little bit of older brother in all of us :-).

By: Woogena

Woogena — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 08:57:21 +0000

I know I was the oldest son for a long time. In my household growing up I always felt the younger of my 3 brothers was the one who could get away with anything. I am the youngest in the family and the only girl. It took me a long time to realize in all reality, I was the one who actually stumble upon the truth. It was right there all along but in reverse for me. I thank God he opened my heart to be able to see!

By: Alicia Britt Chole

Alicia Britt Chole — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:56:32 +0000

In reply to Leah Adams. "ridiculous amounts of grace"--I too am a grateful recipient! Thank you, Leah.

By: Leah Adams

Leah Adams — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 23:04:10 +0000

Alicia, every time I read the story of the prodigal, I have this sneaking suspicion that I would have been the elder son, the Pharisee had I lived in the day. I’m so thankful that grace does rise to greet those who honestly and transparently admit their sinfulness. I certainly have been the recipient of ridiculous amounts of grace. Beautiful thoughts.

By: Alicia Britt Chole

Alicia Britt Chole — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 22:57:46 +0000

In reply to Wendy Munsell. Thank you, Wendy, for your reflections. I too am drawn toward honesty--it feels safer for my soul even when it's not prettier :-).

By: Wendy Munsell

Wendy Munsell — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:51:37 +0000

For so long I’ve identified with the elder brother and been troubled by this parable without really knowing why. I mean, the elder brother (me) was trying so hard…for so long…to please; to be good. I totally “got” his anger but it wasn’t until I began to take baby steps towards Father in the midst of my anger and pride that my mask began to crack and fall away.

There’s an honesty in the younger brothers’ early callous behavior towards his father that I kind of admire. Not the sin, of course, but his ability to act on what is in his heart without fear of what other people will think. In a way, I think it made it easier for him to approach his Father to ask forgiveness. He wasn’t caught up in any allusions of his own righteousness.

My own righteousness…what shame have I needlessly carried in thinking that I had any to lose What joy and relief I feel when I run to Him letting go of my hard heart in the running!

By: Alicia Britt Chole

Alicia Britt Chole — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:59:53 +0000

In reply to Dalese E. Stockwell.

Dalese, I’d be thrilled to discover a distant cousin! I’m not sure I have any in SC but it would be fun to check. I’m an only child and Grandpa Britt had only one child–my dad. But Grandpa’s relatives came from England as three brothers and one settled in the South. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I hope that the blogging and the monthly letters are a continued blessing to you and your daughters-in-love!

By: Dalese E. Stockwell

Dalese E. Stockwell — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 07:34:16 +0000

Alicia, I’ve been getting your Monday Devotionals for years now. Was introduced to you by a IMB missionary colleague of mine and immediately loved your words.
I share your devotionals with my daughters-in-love and they are blessed…

I realized, yesterday…that I have a missionary friend named Marsha BRITT Judy…and since Britt is a last name I’d never heard before meeting you I think that it is very unusual was wondering if you might have relatives in the SC area and if Marsha might be a distant cousin or something like that…

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you bless our home weekly…

Thank you,
Dalese E. Stockwell
serving in Prague CZ Republic (come see me…really!!!)