Brad. Bradley Carl.

Mark and I decided to take Brad under our wings for awhile. He's Mark's younger brother, smart and witty. He and Mark have a lot in common. We've had a couple of really interesting conversations. He is a relatively conservative democrat. He believes that abortion is a mother's right and that homosexuality is not a choice. I didn't ask him how he would feel if his future wife told him she was having an abortion or what he thinks happens to people when they die (which really is what it all comes down to anyway). His views make perfect sense from a Democracy-works point of view. I respect him. And I love him. I have a hard time not touching the big things; Mark believes, I think, that such conversations are not worth touching. And to a degree, I do understand where he's coming from with that.

My observation is that Brad is like to many people I love. They settle and they're in pain because of it. It sucks, but it's real. Mr. Wheeler said a few weeks ago, "All they need is love," in reference to pastoring the Springfield, MO church. With Brad and with so many people, all the pain will disappear if a few strong people would love them. Some say we're really making a risky choice by helping him get through this phase of his life. I think they're whimps. If those of you who think it's foolish couldn't handle something like this, I feel sorry for you. I love Brad and regardless of how "difficult" it may be to have someone in my home, he needs us. If taking him in will help him become a stronger person, what better could I possibly do?

The coolest thing is that we get to practice our faith in this situation. It's fine and dandy to be religious around other faithful people. But it's something completely different with someone who doesn't know or doesn't understand the concept of God and certainly doesn't respect Him. I guess I get to find out if I am a hypocrite.