Brad D. Nelson, PhD is from Hillsboro, Ohio and is an active-duty Air Force officer assigned to Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Dr. Nelson is active in his church and community, a mentor and big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a board member of the community-based nonprofit organization Arm & Arm Inc. in Arlington, Virginia, and a 2023 Marquis Who’s Who in America biographical listee, and also a November 2023 Marquis Who’s Who in America Top Military featured listee. He is a member of the National Contract Management Association, and he is certified in several professional disciplines. His favorite Old Testament scripture is, “The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). Mr. Nelson calls the St. Louis, Missouri, area home. You can visit him at [email protected].
Legendary college basketball coach Mr. John Wooden said, “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” I wholeheartedly agree, and for the sake of the quote’s precise relevance to my family, I MUST include our loving God and Father to the equation. Notwithstanding, I completely understand where Coach Wooden is coming from. Our family members are the people who have our back when life decides to turn its back on us; the ones who cheer us on throughout our feats and accomplishment; the ones who laugh with us (and only occasionally at us) during our silliest slip-ups, and the ones who weep with and console us when the bottom falls out of our lives. My family has been in my corner amid every valley and mountain-top experience, from filling the gap left by an absentee father and bearing reared in an extremely dysfunctional childhood home environment, to attending high school, college, and military graduations. They were there throughout my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, we were there for one another throughout the loss of beloved family members and friends, and I shudder at the thought of where I’d be psychologically and otherwise if it weren’t for their bold prayers and agape love throughout two painful divorces.
I share all this my Friend, particularly in light of this new book, to convey that in our constantly moving and changing life, it’s easy to forget those that are always around us. I plead with you to recognize that you are not alone and you will overcome every obstacle and curveball thrown at you. How can I be so certain you ask? Because I’ve been there. I’m aware our life challenges and family dynamics may be altogether different, and perhaps you don’t have the luxury of a supportive family. If that’s the case, I have encouraging news for you! We have a Friend whose “closer than our breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.” A Friend who promised He’d “never leave or forsake us” that the He “knows the plans He has for us, plans for peace and not for evil, to give us hope and a future.” That Friend is God. He’s never lost a battle, and He won’t allow you to either if you have a relationship with Him and have submitted your life and desires to His good and perfect will for your life. That’s my testimony Friend, and I’m excited for you and praising God for the amazing plans He has for you and your family, and I’m eager to hear YOUR testimony!