One year ago, I sat on a friend’s couch and typed out the first half of nearly a dozen “Fruit of the Spirit” blogs.

One year ago, I could not have been more clueless about what the year ahead had in store.

Job losses, job gains, new friendships, reconnected friendships, hurts, mistakes, changes in my journey, a pandemic — my life as I knew it in 2019 came crashing down. I basically spent 2020 rebuilding most everything around me.

This spiritual and blogging journey through the fruit of the Spirit? It was my constant. Each month, as some new insane twist came into play, I could look at each particular fruit for that month and lean into it. And God did some absolutely incredible work in my life.

As incredibly difficult as 2020 was and as much as I still feel inept with many of the fruits (looking at you, gentleness and self-control), I have grown more in 2020 than any year before.

Now, as we have entered 2021, life is still taking twists and turns like never before. This coming year will hold new adventures, new hurts, and new lessons yet to unfold.

However, one place I will not be continuing these adventures, for now, is here. On Your Other Brothers.

I love YOB. I’ve been here since day one — my first-ever post explains my “Dean” pseudonym. It’s been more than five years of blogs, podcasts, and conversations. I love my brothers, I love my readers, and I love my listeners. You’ve taken me on an incredible adventure I never could have imagined.

Please know — this is not goodbye forever. It’s more of a “see you later.” For one, I will always be here to talk and listen to anyone who reaches out to me. Second, YOB will continue to be in my prayers each and every day.

But, third, I could never permanently leave a community that has done so much for me while allowing me to give back just as much.

Thank you for an incredible journey so far, my beloveds. I look forward to seeing you again soon. May your 2021 be a year filled with the hope and promise of Christ.

All my love.

Your brother,

Dean

Let’s show Dean some love in the comments! What’s your favorite Dean Samuels blog?! Or podcast? Or friendship moment? We love you, brother, and hope to “see you later” in these parts again before long.

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  • DEAN. I don’t think anyone will ever write as many blogs as you. Like, ever. You’ve been so consistent and committed to this effort: the blog, the podcast, and various community functions over the years. If anyone deserves a break of any length, it’s you. Praying for you often and that you find refreshment and renewal this year. My favorite YOB memory with you has to be our Parks & Rec ConvoCast. So random and yet so fitting. We’ll have to podcast about Pawnee again after the inevitable P&R movie comes out!

    • Thank you, Tom! It’s been honor to have my blogs up here and to join in the podcast discussions. I definitely loved the Parks and Rec discussion as well! That brought immense joy for sure. 🙂 Looking forward to when the “see you later” turns to “I’m coming back!”

  • Dean, it was hearing you on a podcast from a different SSA Christian group that I even found YOB! In learning more about your story I was so encouraged and relieved to know that I could be my authentic self and there could still be the possibility that God would have marriage in store for me. Before then I felt hopeless and lost.

    Thank you for all of your contributions to YOB. I always laugh and enjoy hearing you on the podcast. I’m still making my way through all of the blogs and even though I don’t completely relate to your story, I still very much enjoy and learn from your posts.
    God bless you in your future endeavors and hope to “see” you soon.

  • Hey, no goodbyes among brothers, but your voice sure is gonna be missed. I always appreciated that I knew where you stood, but your journey came thru as well. Thanks for sharing your heart. This is probably a dumb thing to remember you for, but the first time I ever heard of Supernatural was one of your posts. The storylines were crazy, but the link between the two brothers was a consistent reminder of what’s good about living. Looking forward to your next post when you’re ready. Till then, you could always sneak in a guest post under your real name…just saying.

  • Since I first heard you on the podcast, I wanted to hear more Dean. Even if I’m #teamJacob, your heart and words will always resonate with me. Thank you, brother, for sharing authentically and loving others right where they are. Be well and God speed!

  • Dean, thank you for our posts and for sharing your thoughts. I’ve always learned something as I’ve sat down to read what’s on your heart. You’ve also been great to listen to on the podcast.

    May God continue to intervene in your life my friend. Thanks for everything. No goodbyes, just “see you later”

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