“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8

As I mentioned last post, I’m always reminiscing… about the good and not so good. I absolutely enjoy looking at old photos as a past time. Pictures of family, from youth, our parents, grandparents, grandchildren, or our children. I’m fascinated by all the accounts throughout the generations. The stories extend, through marriage and blended families. We are constantly sharing stories, sometimes the same ones over and over. Although being a blended family, we’ve experienced estrangement.

I had written this back in October which is Domestic Violence Awareness month…

Already emotional, I began reflecting on feelings. Not only how I feel but always considering the feelings of others. I was moved at the time to write that in hopes of bringing awareness, but never posted it at the time. Still bothered…when I re-read it today, I am able to see my continued growth. Still recognizing daily, my husband’s internal discord, I pray for him and our children every day.

Estrangement is unnatural. Birthdays, Holidays, Everydays remain difficult. This topic often gets overlooked. Yet it is important to realize, that abuse takes many forms. Sometimes in a form that impacts a generational cycle. Most damaging is a complete separation as a result of parental alienation.

The devil uses many weapons to harden hearts and breakdown families. Weaponizing narcissism and pride. Causing confusion and fragmenting realities until subdued. Remember that deception is the devil’s specialty.

“Parental indulgence causes disorder in families and in society. It confirms in the young the desire to follow inclination, instead of submitting to the divine requirements. Thus, they grow up with a heart averse to doing God’s will, and they transmit their irreligious, insubordinate spirit to their children and children’s children.” -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 142.4 (Ellen G. White)

While respecting choices now that the children are adults, we always hope for connection with our children; and re-connection with all family members and children who are estranged from each other. You never turn off love.

Many times, we sit with our feelings, thinking of the missed time and experiences.
In our attempts to stay positive, we reflect on how time has blessed them all, each in different ways –marriage, children, college opportunities, careers, engagement. Although having a complete separation from some of our children, we have a deep appreciation for the glimpses of happiness and growth that God has allowed us to see over the years.

Do you take a step back and reflect on God’s will?… It is not animosity or resentment. God’s desire for us is love and grace.

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” -1 John 4:16 (ESV)

Know that there is power in love…

Live in truth with knowledge of faith.
Open and soften your heart to seek favor in Christ.
Visualize letting go of resentment.
Essentials, remember that God gave us all the essentials.