Sometimes it seems as though they are a dying breed. There are so few people these days who will stand up for what they believe in; who will help those in need; who will work hard at their jobs; who will teach boys how to be men; who will fight for the underdog; who will quietly serve their Christian brothers and sisters; and most importantly, who will serve the Lord with all their hearts. Yes, a good man with a servant’s heart is a rare find these days.

However, they do exist. I know, because I have one. Today is Brandon’s 50^th birthday. He is good, honest, humble and one of the hardest workers I know. He loves God, family, friends, church, babies, dogs, and Ole Miss Rebels.

You won’t find him seeking attention or the spotlight… you’re much more likely to find him serving God and others in a quiet way that attracts no attention. I’m in a unique position to not only be his wife, but I’m blessed to work with him every day. I know what he does daily. He stops and checks on complete strangers – sometimes changing their tires, or helping them along their way. He helps his friends and neighbors. Anyone who knows him knows that he will come running if they call for his help for anything big or little. I see him taking time with inmates – trying to set them on a better path. I see him encouraging kids – and making them feel important. In a day’s time he may stop what he’s doing many times to go tend to different things for our church. He works all day – and often is awoken at night to handle different things related to the jail or sometimes to answer a call.

He is not a mushy guy, but he loves with his entire heart.  He demonstrates his love – not always by his words – but by his actions. Lots of people may tell you they love you, but it’s not always evident in their actions. He, on the other hand, puts his love into action by helping people, guiding them, serving them, and on some occasions even confronting them.

He never shirks his duty nor does he seek glory for doing it. He’s just my Brandon. He can be counted on to always do what he thinks is right. He’s a leader and stands up for folks. He is dependable, steady, true, and fair. He has given me and our boys and now our daughters-in-law and grandsons his complete devotion. He showed our boys how to be good strong men, loving husbands, and wonderful daddies. He has never asked for anything in return, rather, he models sacrificial love every day. He has taken care of me when I’ve been so sick that I didn’t think I could keep going and he’s held me up when my heart was shattered into millions of pieces with grief and despair. He won’t find him preaching sermons or Sunday School lessons, yet he shines the light of Jesus in everything he does for his family, friends, church and community.

And funny!! Oh. My. Goodness. He is so very funny! He’s smart and quick witted. He will make you laugh – even if sometimes it takes you a second to know if he’s being serious or not until you see that twinkle in his eye and hear him chuckle.

I could start now and never be able to thank the Lord for all He has blessed me with in my life, but I make sure to thank Him every day for blessing me and our family with Brandon. Now that we are both over the half-century-hump each moment seems more important because they seem to be passing more quickly. I pray that the Lord blesses us with many more birthdays to share.  Happy birthday, Brandon. I love you more than I did yesterday but not as much as I will tomorrow or the rest of our days after that.