Ward Tanneberg grew up where people were called “Brother” and “Sister”—and still believes that kind of love can change the world. He offers perspective here—to help us walk in grace, truth, and a little bit of grit.

 

A reflection on family, faith, and what it means to truly belong.

Everyone wants a cool brother or sister. I’ve been lucky—I have one of each.

My sister was seven years older than I. She’s in heaven now. My brother is nineteen years younger. We grew up more like only children than siblings, but that never stopped us from forming strong bonds. Mom used to joke that she spent half her life in the PTA—and she wasn’t far off.

Regardless of our age difference, my siblings are two of the people I admire most. Yet, every now and then, I find myself wondering…

What kind of brother have I actually been?

Not just to them, but to the people around me—friends, fellow believers, and the family of Christ-followers to which I belong.

Yes, I grew up in a church where we referred to each other as “Brother” and “Sister”—a small tradition that carried a big truth: we belong to each other in Christ. That’s something I want to live out more fully.

I want to be the kind of brother who:

  • when my feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, “Oh no—he’s up!”
  • let’s go of grudges and gets right with people before the day is done.
  • loves when it’s easy and forgives when it’s hard.
  • trusts that God is working—even when life feels messy.
  • offers second chances as freely as I’ve received them.
  • welcomes unexpected change as part of God’s good plan.
  • reflects the heart of Jesus every day.

To my actual brother and sister—you’ve helped shape who I am.

To my spiritual brothers and sisters—thank you for being part of my journey.

Let’s be the kind of family who shows up, stays close, and loves well. Because through Christ, we’re not just connected. We’re kin.

And it proves the point—Jesus changes everything!

 

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Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

 

— Hebrews 13:1–2

 

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ON MY WALK

My family is scattered around the world. All the grands and the greats live in “faraway places,” but this summer they came to visit. Five granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. All but one granddaughter and a grandson. Hopefully, I will catch up with them one day

. Staying connected or reconnecting with family in a world that is broken is sometimes hard, but it is good.

 

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ON MY TABLE

The manuscript of The Kilçilar Letter, the third exciting book in The Cain Family Thrillers series, is nearing completion.

We are also working on FREE Advent eBook for Christmas. Light a Candle is a beautiful Christmas story that blends fiction and fact, making it ideal for small group participation anywhere. In churches, college dorm rooms, youth groups, and wherever elders are living, you will worship and share the story of Jesus through the power of story! (Genre: personal growth with family and friends; introducing the Christian story of Jesus to old or new friends using this beautiful story). More on this later.

 

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Two exciting summer reads:

SEPTEMBER STRIKE & PRIZE CHILD