I grew up with stories of Cinderella and Snow White, both with evil stepmothers. So, as a child it was a logical conclusion for me to believe that all step parents were inherently bad, right?
Time marched on, society changed, and blended families, with step parents built-in, became the “norm.” Nowadays 65% of remarriages are blended. That’s a lot of step-something-or-others. Yes, sadly we hear horrible incidents of abuse, but for the most part what we don’t hear are the unsung heroes in our midst, step-parents who stand in the gap providing parental examples for children in their care, loving and caring for kids who through someone else’s decision, became vulnerable.
I’m writing this because I’m a step-parent. I have a wonderful son and daughter (and now their families) in my life, all because I said “yes” 25 years ago. I’ve grown and changed as much as they have. I am ever so grateful they’ve been patient with me.
It was Christmas a few years ago that I realized God gave a special role to a step-parent. It was Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. Did Joseph have questions? Did he second-guess himself? Was he unsure what to say or not to say? Don’t know … I’ve put those questions on my “Top One Million Questions When I Get To Heaven” list.
What I do know is this: Being a parent for a child (step or otherwise) extends far beyond blood line and DNA and becomes all about love, which is limitless. These are adults that play a significant role in a child’s life, helping to shape their view of God the Father. Pretty big responsibility, huh?
