The definition of family is “a group of people who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption, and who share a significant history and future.” Family can also include chosen family members, or people who love and support you. In truth, your family are the people that love and take care of you.
My family was not a “normal” family. I’m not really sure there is a norm, but my family certainly weren’t the “Leave It To Beaver” type. My parents were older, had both been married previously. I had a half-brother and half-sister much older than I was. We were a blended family before blended was a “thing.” Despite that, I knew without a doubt my parents loved me and would do anything for me.
Both my parents became ill in the early 1990’s, passing away within nine weeks of each other. I knew prior to their passing that my already small family would quickly vanish after they were gone … I wanted a “family” for me and my son. So, I prayed that if it be God’s will, He would give me a family. If you ever wondered whether God answers prayer, He does … and within six months I met my soon-to-be huge family.
My husband’s family loved and accepted me with open arms immediately. As all families go, any family relationship can come with problems and some disputes. I never doubted, however, that when push comes to shove, they would be there for me and I for them. After 36 years I still say the same.
Through these many years, I’ve come to realize family is not just having a blood relative, it’s all about love. So who is my family? Mark 3:34 says, “He looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!”
As I grew up at church we would sing about being the family of God. My church family has always been a part of my larger “family.” In this passage, Jesus shares His life and ministry with the people in his closest circle, His disciples who believed in and gave up everything to follow him. They were Jesus’ spiritual family.
Naming his followers as family did not dismiss the importance of his biological relatives, but showed the connection that fellow believers and those we come to love are vitally important. God wants us to be in community, to strengthen one another in faith, to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.
I can attest that sometimes our biological families can disappoint, discourage, or even dismiss us. But God calls us to a higher and wider network—to be the family of God together, to love unconditionally and support one another, seeking to do God’s will and work together, we follow Jesus’ example of cherishing our spiritual brothers and sisters.
Can you join with me in this prayer? Lord, give us your eyes to see and your heart to love everyone who walks in faith beside us. May we unite in love for you as your family. Amen.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: grief and loss, parenting, prayer
