We Stand Alone Together – Part 4 Replacements

To read the other posts in this series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

 “That night, I thanked God for seeing me through that day of days and prayed I would make it through D plus 1. I also promised that if some way I could get home again, I would find a nice peaceful town and spend the rest of my life in peace.”
- Richard Winters

The Band of Brothers episode “Replacements” tells the story when replacements (New, younger soldiers) join Easy Company and the 506th Regiment to replace those soldiers killed in the Normandy and France. The new members struggle for acceptance by the veterans who have already fought on D-day and beyond. Many of the seasoned men talk freely of how they didn’t want to get to know the newcomers because they seemed the first to die. For the new guys, the effort to be accepted, to fit, and to prove oneself was a battle in it’s own right.

I told you in previous post that my in my company of men we have logged many years together, most relationships are 20 years or more. However, there are a few “replacements”, recently grafted brothers within the past few years. Their friendship has been as valuable as the “veterans” and thankfully; they have not felt the need to prove themselves to me.

I learn a long time ago that there will be men who leave your company. Brothers will be transferred out of your circle, by life or by God. There will be “casualties”; friends that will stop being friends for various reasons. How you deal with that will determine how your band of brothers moves forward. Your circle of men must breathe; it must make room for replacements…you must be willing to grow despite past loses.

Having a band of brothers is not easy, not for me any way; it takes vulnerability and a willingness to serve one another. Sometimes, it’s looking into the eyes of a brother and telling him what he doesn’t want to hear but needs to. Other times, it’s listening to a brother telling you to man-up and do it now. Its dealing with tough stuff, praying and working alongside for a common cause…it is simply a joint discipleship operation.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  John 13:35

In my circle there are 2 IBM engineers, a musician, a radio exec, a UPS driver, a construction guy, a Utility worker, a local government worker, a salesman, a recruiter, a life coach and a retired security guard. Quite a varied group wouldn’t you say? The shared and separate experiences touch me deeply and give me insight to the Father’s heart. We share “battle plans” and “Intel” that we couldn’t get anywhere else, together we are stronger men. The way they fight for their King, for their families and their brothers inspire me. I think I serve in a company of heroes.

Some of you have mentioned that you wish you had a company of men, maybe just one man who would be this kind of brother for you and you for him. I’m praying for you that you’ll find such a group…soon. When you do, be ready…God will change you forever through it.

If you need a distant brother’s prayer or someone to talk to…I like to offer myself. I be honored to pray for you or listen as the case may be. Send me a email at: jcdude56@gmail.com

I included this small clip of the actual men of Easy company…sharing about each other. See if this speaks to you.

Yours in Brotherhood,
Jay

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