The Ellis Brothers
We all have a story….this is Jonathan and Michael’s stories…(Interview conducted 6/24/2026)
The bond of two brothers is not easily broken…even when those two brothers are different from one another. For Jonathan and Michael…it’s their differences that cause them to lean on each other. And it’s a life changing common bond that has molded their hearts forever.
Jonathan is 20 years old. Attends Wartburg College. Hopes to be a sports broadcaster upon receiving his education.
Michael is 18 years old. Plans on attending Highlands College this fall in Birmingham, AL. Hopes to pursue the ministry in some capacity.
Jonathan internalizes things.
Michael is vocal.
Jonathan enjoys sports.
Michael likes to work.
Jonathan tends to be more charismatic.
Michael likes to lead.
October 8, 2022. The date they both share in common.
It’s the day their sweet mama went home to be with Jesus.
Jonathan was 16. Michael was 14.
It was an unimaginable loss. For these brothers, for their father, their family, and the host of friends who loved Gynger Ellis.
Had four years not have passed, this writer feels strongly that Gynger’s sons would not have been able to express their once-raw grief, sadness, and even anger at the loss of their beloved mother.
“Mom being sick became normal”, said Jonathan. Michael nodded in agreement and added, “God took her at His right time. He allows His kids to come home.”
Still. It was a transitional time in the lives of two teenage boys who both rely on their parents and are starting to seek independence at the same time. Losing one of their primary emotional anchors can leave a teenager feeling unanchored. (Or anyone for that matter…)
They both admitted that the spark was gone after they lost their mom. Their dad grieved differently–throwing himself into his work–but the three of them were remarkably strong as they held on to each other. As they clung to God. Jonathan admits that “we grew closer.”
Jonathan spoke about the turning point for him when someone told him, “You can either go deeper into the church (and the things of God) or you can just go away.” His decision, at that time, and now, was “I will follow what God has for me.”
Michael’s heart is one of a true follower of God. He expressed that he “just wants to be used by God” and that “we shouldn’t put any barrier on God.” Even loss. His heart’s desire is to be a “good and faithful servant” knowing that God “allows us to be free.”
Turning the conversation just a bit, I asked them what they liked or admired about our Pastor Q.. Their answers needed no time for even a pause. Michael spoke up with, “He’s disciplined–in how he cares off the pulpit.” and Jonathan added, “He’s dedicated–he knows what his calling is.” Disciplined and dedicated–kind of like the flock Q shepherds.
I took another 180 when I asked a frivolous question…if there was a movie made about your lives, who would play you? Jonathan thought Johnny Depp could play him (even though I jokingly pointed out that Mr. Depp could be his dad!) and Michael? He’s sure Ryan Reynolds would do a good job playing him. The name of the movie? One of them burst out with “Wild Ride!” (Time to settle down, boys…)
The conversion took another turn when I asked them about their personal lives–a subject that is none of my business–but felt the need to ask. Both have been in relationships. Both recently experienced break ups. But it was Jonathan who put everything in perspective when he said,
“Any hurt pales in comparison to the loss of mom.” Hmm…
He added, “This is the path God wanted. It made us ‘adult up’ faster. We’re not children any more.”
Maybe not. But both Jonathan and Michael will always be God’s children. The anchor in their storm. Both past storms and future ones.
One could ask, “Should we let loss define us?” Maybe the better question is. “How will this loss mold us into what God wants us to be?”
“Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still.”
Jonathan and Michael…clearly in the hands of the Potter…
Written by Justeen Hill