Family

Today Donald and I learned in a new way what family is. We have been struggling with our daughter's anxiety and our church attendance. The last time I was at church I ended up in the van with our 7 year old in tears (both of us). How was this good for our church? How was this honoring to God? I came home that day and quit church as far as I was concerned, there was no way I could do this alone and with Donald's work schedule there was not a way for me to have the support and reinforcements I needed. Fast forward to today. We met with one of our pastors with every intention of letting him know we would not be returning. We didn't have a game plan, God had been silent but we knew what we wanted, what was easiest. As we talked our Pastor listened, validated our feelings but then came alongside of us and let us know that we were not walking through this valley alone, that our church was with us no matter what we chose and for whatever we needed. He gave us a new perspective and refreshed us. As we prayed God began giving me a new vision of what He wanted from us and how He could use this valley where we were. Our church loves us even though our contribution as far as volunteering maybe small, they are willing to be our strength when we are weak. Isn't this what family is all about? Not abandoning each other when we think things are too tough? What a blessing we received today and how much lighter our load became just because we finally put aside our pride and sat down and let our brother in Christ know what was going on in our lives. We have received emails of encouragement and they have meant the world and have been a great buoy to our sagging spirits over this month.

 In our spiritual family and in our physical family we need to be sensitive to others needs, provide strength when they are weak and love on them when they feel unloveable and watch God bless! There are going to be times when you are the strong one and there are going to be times when you need the strength of others and that is okay. Just remember to show Christ's love to your family daily however you can!