Family.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some at the very mention of the word “family” are instantly overwhelmed with an assortment of feelings. Feelings of discomfort, sadness, bitterness, anger, resentment, hurt and loneliness flood your thoughts and your hearts. Perhaps you have run away from home like the lost son. Or maybe you have been abandoned, shunned, or excluded from your family because you did not meet or live up to expectations that were set. Maybe members of your family have been lost to sickness or addiction. Or perhaps your relationships within your family have merely been forgotten, or bound with fear, brokenness, lies and deceit. The desire to belong to a family that is not plagued by these unattractive characteristics can cripple ones hopes, dreams and desires. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
With that said, not all of us have known family to be these things. However, I believe that we can no longer let those individualities define or steal away the joys that come from belonging to a family.
I am so grateful that we were each chosen to be a part of an inclusive family. In Jeremiah 1:5 the Lord says, “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” God chose you! He chose me! He chose us to be to be a part of, to belong to, to be included in, to be protected by, provided for, loved by and pursued by His unconditional, no strings attached, love.
But love requires sacrifice. Family requires sacrifice. It’s not in God’s nature to withhold from us. He gave everything for us. He gave His one and only son so that you and I could belong to and be a part of His family.
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
We are children of the most high God, born again into His family. We His children are not perfect, but He is.
May you know without a shadow of a doubt that you are loved, valued and belong. May you be filled with pure joy that comes from the deepest part of your being as you accept your place in His family. I don’t know a better place to be supported, encouraged, challenged, loved and surrounded by family than in His family-in His Church. Church is Home. Home is where everyone belongs and where everyone is welcome.
If you do not have a place to call home, a place to belong, a place to grow and flourish within the family of God we would love for you join us as we gather, worship and do life together. Click here for service times and details!
In the wise words of Lilo and Stitch: “Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”
KIERSHA HYNNINEN
Children's Coordinator
