Thicker Than Water

For as long as I can remember, my sister Jennifer has been my best friend. Together, we navigated the treacherous hallways of new schools from the anonymity of previous home-schooling. We shared many of the same friends. I slapped around Troy Vuurens and punched Jim Foster, both of whom had made the mistake of disrespecting her in middle school. I played soccer and basketball, and she cheered with her blue and gold pom-poms.

Jenny and I have both made terrible choices at different seasons in our life, and yet on the other side - our faith was forged. We both have learned to pick ourselves up off the ground by the grace and strength of God, to limp our way back to the throne room, and to sing off key: "twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home...".

She has violently defended my honor, when I had none. She has fought for those who were on the underside of power, and celebrated the victory of resurrection. She has weathered the storms of relational chaos, broken-hearted betrayal, and her own self-examination. She is not innocent. Nope, not by a long shot. But at least she is honest about it.

From the mountains of Western North Carolina, I miss her. I praise God for her strength, and I celebrate the blood that binds our legacy together. Raise your glass: to Jennifer Dawn DePoy, a train-wreck of grace.