In Bible study today an intriguing discussion broke out amongst the 11 women present. The topic was about family members (children, siblings, grandchildren, etc) that had issues WE felt needed to be dealt with whether it was behavioral, addictions, personality conflicts, etc etc etc (I could go on and on). In this special group we find the solace and grace to be able to talk about the hurts and disappointments that these relationships might cause. We feel secure in knowing we are not being judged nor is our loved one despite the faults we are mentioning because EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THAT ROOM RELATES ON SOME LEVEL.
No matter how much we long and pray for the perfect child, or the perfect spouse, or the perfect sibling relationship, you will never have that longing fulfilled because as much as we embrace our individuality then we need to come to terms with the fact that it isn’t all about ME (or YOU). I am NOT saying that we should all just brush over the glaring faults, issues and choices made that are detrimental to life and maybe even sometimes we are called to walk away from a relationship. We are human (how often do I say this??) after all.
However, I do believe if we were all to be more AUTHENTIC with what’s going on in our life…admitting that we are struggling with our spouse, or our child, or sister/brother, friend or even just with life’s blows then the world would find that PEACE that is so hard to come by because we have spent life trying to fool everyone else that our life and our relationships are “better than…”.
How can there be peace when there is always the fight to rise above instead of offering the non-judgmental hand to help those around you stand with you?
When this came to me today it reconfirmed the calling that flows within the very marrow of my bones…to reveal myself broken and pieced together but held firm with the bond of Christ’s love. I don’t want to be held above, I want to hold others up so that they won’t fall.
Blessings
Shannon