Wow. Which brother? (Of which you have many…) Man—I am so sorry. People tell me of the violation that one feels after an in-home theft. But the concept of arson just takes that to a whole different level. I guess all I can hope (and pray for) is that they had strong insurance, they catch the perp, and (your family) can heal. Wow.

Your interpretation of Bill’s comment was significantly different from mine, but once you brought it into context--your's is likely better. My original thought is that it is so very easy to go through times in one's life finding fault in others, while failing to truthfully investigate and deal with faults in oneself. (The fundamental attribution error in practice.) Almost as if the whole world’s screwed up, and I just have to slog through the perpetual failures and shortcomings of others. And sometimes I actually catch myself in this mindset this from time to time; I’m impatient, and sometimes very graceless in my impatience when dealing with others who mean the most to me. And to what personal gain, or gain relative to the relationship? Clearly, none. I hurt those that mean the most to me and I draw myself farther from God. So the re-acknowledgement of my own very fallen nature in action reaffirms my need to seek and employ grace. And through that grace, I hurt others less, the quality of life improves, and I have posted less barriers between me and God. (No need to read too much into this—my life’s fine; just trying to give a poignant example.)

But then again, your interpretation may very well hold a heck-uva-lot more validity given the situation than mine.