Bethel doesn't have many members, but a lot of us have been there forever. I've known Charlie since way back when we were in high school, but we've never been particularly close. Unless we're playing basketball or hanging out at church events, our paths rarely cross.

In spite of that, I really enjoy hearing about his life. A few years ago during a Good Friday service he shared about his family life growing up. In the middle of it, he mentioned a conversation that he had had with his mom. He said that she told him, "I'm lonely." And that struck me in such a raw way because it seemed so anti-Korean-parent to be so honest and vulnerable and human.

Last week I made a cameo appearance at Friday community group and heard Charlie talk about his sister. He said years ago he came home one night to find his mom yelling at his sister. She had just found out that she was pregnant. She was 18.

She'd asked him for a ride to a friend's house and Charlie drove her there in silence. Her words as she got out of the car: "Thanks, Charlie."

To everyone's surprise, she ended up having and keeping the baby, Emmanuel. Charlie said that in the end baby Emmanuel ended up bringing the family closer together.

To be honest, I'm not sure I even knew Charlie had a sister. But he does have a sister, and she does have a son, and he is with Charlie's family, and they are His.