This is one of those “it’s a small world” stories.

Better yet, it’s one of those “God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword” stories.

It starts in the mid-1980s on a football practice field, where the Keller High School marching band practiced its steps in the 100-degree Texas heat.

I played tuba in the band all four years of high school. Edward Dottle, a fellow member of the Class of 1986, played trumpet.

In fall 1985, our 150-member band adopted the motto “No Bozos — State Bound” and made it all the way to the state marching contest in Austin, where we earned a superior rating. That’s not crucial to the story, but my fellow band geeks will understand why I felt compelled to mention it.

Edward and I were not best friends, but we were on friendly terms. Like many high school classmates, though, we lost touch after graduation.

So, imagine my surprise when I recently came across Edward’s name on a Web page connected to Bill Williams, a friend who directs Focus Northeast, a domestic missions effort sponsored by Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas.

Curious, I e-mailed Bill to ask about his connection to Edward. “We are friends in the cause of Christ,” Bill replied.