Family relationships seem to be increasingly fragile, and many individuals grow up with no concept of what a family really is. Learn how to connect with your loved ones in the following article.
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:2-3
In today's world, stories of broken and dysfunctional families are increasingly common. However, there are stories that demonstrate that the strength of faith and belief in a higher being can be the key to overcoming difficulties and bringing a family together.
One such story begins with a family that was completely disconnected. The father worked all day, the mother was trapped in alcoholism and the children had no idea what a family was.
It was a power outage that forced all the family members to stay in their home, relating to each other in a way they hadn't before. It was this event that brought them together as a family and allowed them to see the importance of being together and supporting each other..
"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Psalm 103:17-18
Another story demonstrates how faith can help overcome the loss of a loved one. After the death of their young son, a family fell into a deep depression that lasted for several years. It was thanks to the words of the middle son, who burst into dinner to remind them that he was still there, that the parents began to recover.
These words were taken as if spoken by Christ, and this family began to find comfort in faith.
There are also stories of families facing economic hardship and finding the solution in faith. After being victims of a financial scam, one family prayed for help and had a dream in which a kind man gave them the necessary instructions to start a new business that enabled them to get ahead.
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isaiah 49:15-16
At times, faith can also help in dealing with difficult situations within one's own family. In the case of a close friend whose parents were constantly committing adultery, it was through the intervention of his son, who prayed for advice, that steps could be taken to remedy the situation.
Finally, there is the story of my own family, who found themselves facing difficult times after the birth of my disabled son. It was thanks to him that all of us learned the true meaning of love and the importance of faith in our lives.
" I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10
These stories demonstrate that faith can bring a family together, even in the most difficult of times. When faced with challenges, families can find comfort and support in their faith, and this can make all the difference in how they cope with difficulties.
While every family is unique, these stories are a reminder that faith can be a powerful force in our lives and in our relationships with others.