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Reflections from Barbara Bonner (Brandon’s mother)

From the day Brandon was born, he brought joy to my heart. He was a young boy finding his way to his own unique place in the world. Brandon always had an original point of view. He was willing to take on challenge or challenges to better himself as a person. He was not a young man who settled for something  just because it was easy or popular. He liked taking the road less traveled.He was an amazing young man whose perspective was uniquely given but well received by others. Brandon had a lot to offer and gave a lot.

Thank you to everyone who gave him hugs, kisses, phone calls and things I am not aware of that were done. It was my pleasure to share my son with the world.

May everyone have a Blessed and Happy New Year.

-Barbara

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Reflections and giving thanks

Greetings all,

As I reflect on the life of my friend Brandon, I wanted to share a few words. But first let me say on behalf of his family, thank you for your prayers, love and support. I also want to thank you for reading and following this blog. It’s been an honor working on it with Brandon and I hope it has blessed you.

I still think about the first time I met Brandon, March 2012, when he shared his testimony at church. He talked about wanting to leave a legacy; not wanting to be forgotten. While he left us in the physical on November 12, the memories are forever and his spirit continues to bless and inspire. I was able to visit with Brandon the Sunday before he passed away. While he was not alert, the stillness of the moment spoke loudly. What I heard Brandon say was that his work was done. That he had given us everything intended, and that it was up to us to take the baton and run.

For those who knew Brandon, he instilled in us a sense of purpose to live life and go after the desires of our hearts. I can remember sharing with Brandon some of my dreams, and reasons why it was not time or why I was unable to go after them. And he would ask in a loving but stern way, “Why not?” Brandon, my friend, you are right. If we have life and breath, there is no reason we cannot be active participants in our lives and destiny.

I was reflecting on Brandon yesterday at Thanksgiving. How grateful I am to have met him along my journey. The sadness I feel knowing he’s longer here with us. And the motivation he’s given me to meet each day with the faith to believe that with God, all things are possible.

And that’s what Brandon lived and believed. Let us thank God for him and his life, his teachings and his love that will continue to live on.

Blessings this holiday season, Tieler

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Run the race

Happy October all,

“Brandon is doing fine.” That’s the message I received from Brandon’s mom yesterday, texting from Macon. Yes, Brandon is now in Macon continuing his brave and awe-inspiring journey. I visited with him last week while he was still in Atlanta. And while not able to communicate, he was alert and aware. He continues to touch just about everyone he encounters with his remarkable presence and light. We know without a doubt it is the Holy Spirit who indwells.

His mom joked the other day that one of Brandon’s nurses, who in the beginning seemed rather stoic and somber, surprised her one afternoon as she walked out the room saying, “You have to keep the faith.” We all know that’s the effect Brandon has on people!

I am reminded of Brandon’s words he shared during his testimony at church in 2012. Those words are that “God is Able.” Whatever we might face, however unexpected and life-changing it is, God is able to keep us while we go through it and bring us out on the other side. But we must do our part and keep going. So let us “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Amen.

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The blessing of another year

Hi everyone,

Yesterday was Brandon’s 26th birthday! Joining his mom, aunts and grandmother were about 10 of his closest friends praising God for another year. I told him I would update the blog and give everyone his love and heartfelt appreciation. This past month has certainly been a test of faith and endurance for Brandon and his family. But Brandon keeps going, keeps pushing and keeps inspiring all of us. I can remember one of the very first things Brandon said when we met and what he states on the blog:

“I don’t know what the next chapter of my life holds. The rest of my story, like anyone else’s, is yet to be told. But as each day unfolds, I believe God and the promise He gives us in Jeremiah 29:11, and so I trust Him and the plans He has in store.”

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All things through Christ

Hello,

It’s Tieler, Brandon’s friend. I visited with Brandon this morning and told him I’d give you all an update. Brandon on Saturday night was taken to Emory Hospital. So right now, he is there getting the care he needs to get better. He’s not able to talk but is alert, and agreed I should update the blog. Both he and his mom (and their family) need our prayers. So let’s stop right now and pray:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that do what You do best; be a healer, a sustainer and a comfortor. We thank You for Your love, care and concern for us.  We ask that You touch Brandon right now by your Holy Spirit, to let him know that everything will work out. Let him know how much You truly love him and that You are well pleased with his walk of faith. Lord, we don’t know what the future holds but You do. So we trust You in Your infinite wisdom. We thank you for Brandon and his ministry, his friendship and love. Heal him. Bless him. Keep him. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”

The book of Philippians encourages us to live out our faith in joy. There, the apostle Paul shows us that true joy comes from Christ who is our power and strength. Joy in suffering sounds like an impossible task. However, Paul reminds us that with Christ, in any and every situation, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13).

God bless!

P.S. If you would you like to share a message or word with Brandon, please leave a comment. Or you can send an email via the Contact page. I told him that I would share them with him.

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