to be a part of this family

Whenever someone asks me to tell them about myself, I always start with my family. Because they’re pretty great. And I like to brag about them.

So when my dad emailed my siblings and I a couple days ago and asked us what it means to be a part of this family, I had to really narrow down my answer. Because there’s so much that could be said.

What does it mean to be a Stutts? What does it mean to be a part of this family?

It means a lot.

Growing up, we had so many traditions from Christmas to the Super Bowl. We learned to celebrate as a family.

Swimming competitively, playing football, cheerleading... We learned to support each other. We learned discipline, commitment, and how to win and lose well. 

Christian values. We learned what abundant life with The Lord looks like. We learned what a godly, healthy marriage looks like. We learned that relationships are more important than material possessions.

But if I had to choose just one thing… Being a Stutts means you serve. Being a part of this family means you give your life away.

The majority of my parents’ adult lives have been spent serving in ministry. Whether it was through a church, Cru, Young Life, or writing, my parents have opened up their hearts and home to anyone and everyone. They've given their time, money, and lives away.

My brothers-in-law and my brother are three of the most courageous, respectable, and admirable men I know. Their service in the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy should bring pride and gratitude to the heart of every American.

My sisters, both pregnant, are two of the strongest and most sacrificial women I know. Every day their husbands were deployed, ready to literally give their lives up, was a day my sisters gave their lives away too. And soon they’ll welcome two little babies into this world, and they’ll put their children’s needs before their own.

So my family… They give themselves away. It's rarely easy. But they do it anyway.

There aren’t enough pages to describe just what it means to be a part of this family. But I thank God I get to call these people my own. Because the more I get to know this broken world, the more I realize that people like them are rare. So if you get the privilege of knowing my parents or siblings, don't take it for granted. Because they’re incredible.