The word ‘family’ nowadays carries no weight. Home is supposed to be a safe haven – a place of comfort and support; but for many, home is a battleground because families are upside down or falling apart.
Imagine having to deal with a family problem whilst trying to hide it from your relatives due to the shame. Imagine having to sneak out to visit your son in prison without other family members finding out, because you know that they will take it wrongly. This is just one example that a mother recently shared; her son was in prison and out of shame, she covered it up and would tell others that he was at work, or with friends, all while she was confused and having to deal with that situation alone. Perhaps you can relate.
What problem is consuming your family?
Money – Is the stress of debts and the pressure of bills causing fights?
Prison – Are incarcerated family members bringing shame and even anxiety to the family?
Fights – Perhaps your family members are constantly bickering over everything.
Addiction – Addiction is never a ‘one person’ problem, everybody is affected.
Disease – The pain of watching a loved one in pain can be unbearable.
Maybe these problems are talking their toll on you and you feel desperate because you are losing your family one by one.
In the Gospel of Luke 7:13 Jesus said, “Do not weep”. He was speaking to a woman who had lost her husband and then lost her son as well. She had lost her entire family and was alone.
“Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” Luke 7:14
You see, Jesus told the lady to stop crying because He was giving her back her family. Maybe you too are crying every day because of your problems. Jesus is also telling you to stop crying, because He wants to bring a solution to you as well. He wants to restore your family. So wipe away your tears, turn to God, tell Him about the family problems you are facing and allow Him to make your family whole again.
A family that prays together, stays together.
May the God of the Bible bless you.
Bishop Joshua Fonseca
