rOur life experiences in Athens, GA, are pretty similar. We live similar lives—schedules, friends, where we eat…you get the picture. However, once we leave our home here in Athens to go to our hometown, things obviously change. We’re away from our stuff. Our friends. Two Story Coffeehouse. Once back to our family, it is easy to assume that our experience with them is completely unique to us. The distant dad, self-absorbed cousins, or feuding aunts and uncles. It is understandable to feel that way—you’re away from what you are living in the majority of the time. But, you. are. not. alone. In the world we live in, family has fallen away from God’s original intention for it. Family being a support system may not be the case. Family can be far from what we want to be. We challenge you to rest in the reality that God is not far from you or your family, but rather, is close. Your family may not be what God’s original intention for it was, but he is a redeemer. And he doesn’t want you to lose hope.
What can we do about our families when we’re living in a situation that is clearly not God’s best? Know that it is okay to have your feelings. It is okay to feel emotions if you’re sad, if you’re hurting. Do not neglect them. Don’t hide. Draw CLOSE to the Lord. Reach out to the support system that you do have—friends, discipler, etc. PRAY for your family. Ask the Lord for opportunities and ways to show your love to them. Search out your heart for how you are grateful for them. Run with the opportunity to practice and grow in kindness. It bears worth repeating, but do draw near to the Lord. He is close to you, He is close to your family, He is your Redeemer.
“The Lord is..."
Compassionate. Close to the broken-hearted. Faithful.
Challenge: Seek the Lord (see above). Ask yourself...
- Why was I placed in this specific family? What is my purpose within it?
- Are parts of my heart angry at what my current situation is?
- How is the Lord revealing Himself to me in these family situations?
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