When I was just a few years old my biological mother left my old brother Steve and I with my father and she moved far away from Kansas. A couple years later my father re-married to my stepmother Kay, and they had my little sister Debbie. Even though I had a big brother and little sister I was a loner and played by myself most of the time on our little farm on the outskirts of town. For whatever reason I developed a relationship with an imaginary friend named Jamie. Jamie and I went everywhere together, and I always talked with him when I was alone. I remember at one point; Jamie even had a place at our dinner table. We were inseparable and I never felt alone, as Jamie was always with me. To me, developing a relationship with Jesus Christ is reminiscent of my relationship with Jamie, as I never feel alone, and we talk multiple times every day.

Years past and I learned that my biological mother had re-married and had two more sons. I never knew they existed until I was in my adult years, and I never had the chance to get to know them. All three of my brothers have passed now, as well as my biological mother, and not one of my brothers saw their 50th birthday. Singer and song writer, Peter Gabriel wrote a song about developing his relationship with Jesus Christ called “Solsbury Hill”. In the lyrics of the song, he said, “Just have to trust imagination”. I call that word “trust” Faith.

After being sick for so long, I’m glad to be walking back into our church this morning. By the way, ironically, the youngest of my two brothers that I never knew was named Jamie.